Larry Hespe

Larry L. Hespe was born December 11, 1945, to Gus and Mabel (McIntosh) Hespe. Larry lived life well and to the fullest. He met his first wife, Margaret Hambek, in 1965, and to that marriage, four boys were born: Lance, Luke, Morgan, and Marshall. He worked at the Champlin Service Station in Gregory, SD, and trucked for various businesses. There are many stories of his trucking days to be heard; Larry never lacked the ingenuity to get the job done. In 1987, he married Dixie Prentice and gained another son, Darin Sherman. In 1987, Larry moved to back to Springview, NE, and worked at the Red Arrow pumping gas and repairing vehicles. Larry’s dream was to own an auto repair shop. In 1997, he and his son Lance moved to the current location of Hespe Auto Center and grew a productive business. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, riding his motorcycles, playing his guitars, and having good conversations with friends and family.

Larry joined the fire department in 1995, where he served for 26 years. He became a village board member in 1998 and served in that office until his death. As Larry grew older and his body told him it was time to slow down, Larry decided to sell his business to Lance. After battling and beating esophagus cancer, he wintered in Texas and enjoyed himself very much. Lance and his wife have tried to carry on Larry’s legacy and will miss the wisdom and guidance he would provide from time to time.

On a motorcycle trip with his brothers and his son Luke, he discovered he had tumors on his brain. Larry lived his last few months to the fullest. He kept riding his motorcycle nearly daily with his brothers and sons, loving on his dog Ollie, and enjoying the many visits with family all week and every weekend.

Larry passed away on September 28, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was survived by his wife Dixie; his four sons, Lance (Heather) Hespe of Springview, NE, Luke Hespe of Kansas City, KS, Morgan (Lianne) Hespe of Hull, IA, and Marshall (Kendra) Hespe of Bird City, KS; stepson Darin (Kathy) Sherman of Liberty, MO; 16 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, and one great-grandson; brothers, Dennis (Romona) Hespe of Spencer, NE, David (Cora) Hespe of Naper, NE, Roger (Robin) Hespe of Newcastle, WY, and Daniel Hespe of Burton, NE; sisters, Donna Basgall of Salina, KS, Loretta Hespe of Webster City, IA, and Mavis Schuman of Salina, KS; and sister-in-law Renee Hespe of Norfolk, NE, along with many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Mabel Hespe, and his brother, Calvin Hespe.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials have been suggested to the Springview Volunteer Fire Department or to the family in Larry’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth assisted with arrangements, and condolences may be sent to www.hochfuneralhome. com.