Douglas Carl Spieske

Douglas Carl Spieske, M.D.

November 15, 1940 – January 22, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas Carl Spieske, M.D. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by family and loved ones, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and wisdom.

Born on November 15, 1940, in Ferndale, Michigan, Doug grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods. From a young age, he was hardworking and active. He was a pole vaulter in junior high and, during high school, managed a Detroit News newspaper route for several years, which he later passed on to his younger brothers. He was also involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts throughout childhood, with his mother serving as his den leader. Raised in the Lutheran faith, he attended catechism classes after school as part of his confirmation process.

Doug earned his pre-med bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in 1962 before attending the University of Michigan Medical School, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1966. He then moved to Southern California for a medical internship at Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

During his internship, Doug was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Holding the rank of Captain (Division Surgeon), he provided compassionate care at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) in Killeen, TX, treating soldiers in the First Armored Division. Later, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served with the First Cavalry Division under challenging battlefield conditions, often treating troops from underground bunkers.

After his honorable discharge, Doug returned to Southern California to work at Kaiser Harbor City before relocating again to complete his San Bernardino County Hospital (now Arrowhead Regional Medical Center) residency from 1973 to 1975. Following his residency, he stayed on as faculty in the family practice program for a few years before continuing his dedicated career in family medicine. As the field of emergency medicine emerged, Doug transitioned to what would become his lifelong passion, working as an Emergency Room physician at Riverside Community and Redlands Community hospitals. His work left a lasting impact on his patients and communities, and he formed many lifelong friendships with his colleagues.

Doug was known for his quick wit, big appetite, and love of sushi, SCUBA diving, hunting, fishing, and travel. He deeply valued his family and friends and took immense pride in maintaining close relationships throughout his life, no matter the distance. His love for people and nature extended into the community through his years of involvement in the Deep Creek Fly Fishers Club and Trout Unlimited’s Trout in the Classroom program, where he provided hands-on scientific education to children about the life cycle of trout and the importance of conservation. He also became a certified fly-fishing instructor.

Doug shared his life with his wife, Sarah, whom he married in 2018. He cherished the time spent with his daughters, Jenny (Darryl) and Erica (Jamie), and took immense pride in being a grandparent to Rowan, Ian, Arya, and Sam. Through his marriage to Sarah, Doug also embraced her daughter, Irene, and her grandchildren, Tallulah and Cash, as part of his extended family. He also developed close bonds with Sarah’s extended family, who welcomed him with love and warmth.

Doug is also survived by his brother, Kurt (Cindy), and sister, Debbie (Tommy), as well as nephews John (Sarah), David, and Augie. He also leaves behind great-nieces Maya (Christian) and Aliya, great-nephew Julian, and Kurt’s stepchildren, Bryce and Court, all of whom brought him great joy. Doug was predeceased by his mother, Anne; father, Carl; brother, Richard; sister-in-law, Susan; and stepmother, Velma.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held in his honor in Redlands, California, on Saturday, March 22, at 11:30 a.m. PST at The Mitten Building. Guests are encouraged to dress in any way that reminds them of Doug—whether that means wearing fishing gear, a Hawaiian shirt, or something formal. Doug would have wanted this to be a joyful occasion filled with laughter, good stories, and fun—just as he lived his life.

For planning purposes, if you know you’ll be attending, you are welcome to email dougRSVP@gmail.com and include your name and how many will accompany you, though all are welcome.

For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available on March 22 at 11:30 a.m. PST on YouTube.

To watch, search "Doug Spieske Memorial" on YouTube and select the Live tab. During the stream, Doug’s picture will be circled in red to help you find it. A recording will also be available afterward for those who wish to watch it later.

In Lieu of Flowers

In honor of Doug’s memory, the family kindly requests donations to one of the following causes that were dear to him:

• Family Service Association of Redlands

• Trout Unlimited

• Alzheimer’s Association

Though our hearts are heavy, we will honor Doug’s memory by celebrating the incredible and epic life he lived.