Roger Lee Hupe

Roger Lee Hupe, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on July 16, 2024, Roger Hupe - the man, the myth, the legend - was born in Versailles, Ohio, to Evelyn (Martin) and Delmar Hupe. He grew up in West Unity and was a Theta Chi at Adrian College. After graduating in 1970, he had a brief career in retail before finding his professional home in insurance.

He started Hupe Insurance Services in 1981, with three small children at home and a tireless work ethic. While he would shrug off the agency's success - "Even a blind hog finds an acorn once in a while." - everyone else knew better. It was him-taking every call, memorizing the particulars and caring about people so much. Everything is personal when it's your name on the sign.

He elevated profanity to an artform and could recite limericks and recall "Rogerisms" for every circumstance. He had jokes in reserve and lived for laughter. He loved fiercely and with every beat of his biologically flawed but powerful heart.

For Roger, nothing manmade or imagined could compare to his pride and affection for his family. It poured out of him. This was evident in his fight to stay with them until his body finally surrendered. As a flash of lightning streaked across the black sky, just after 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning, with his wife and children's hands on him, Roger shed his towering frame to go crack up the angels. No doubt, he arrived to a warm reception of family, friends and animals, welcoming him to a peaceful place.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene. He is survived by his brothers, Dennis (Judy) Hupe and Richard (Christine) Hupe, and sister, Sandra Runkel. His spirit lives on in his children, Matt (Amy) Hupe, Kirsten (Louie) Saldivar, Courtney (Hank) Leach and Diana Hunley, and 15 grandchildren, who adored their Papa. He leaves behind the other half of his heart-his wife and purpose of 52 years, Marilyn. May we all have a love so comparable to air.

For the man who said, "The only bad press is an obituary," it devastates us to see this in print. You were larger than life, Dad. The tender giant with an arsenal of one-liners. Our Clark Griswald. We'll miss your bear hugs, your griping and your guidance. Take your rest, big guy, in your Father's house, with many mansions. The work is done.

Per his wishes, a party will be held in Roger's honor at a later date.