United States High School Yearbooks by County
WELCH:
Elbert B. “Bert” Welch, 77, of Loveland. Husband of Dorothy Welch. Private family services.
Elbert Burton “Bert” Welch, 77, was born Aug. 26, 1926, to Clyde Allen Welch and Frona Flo Dillie in Gunnison. He passed on at McKee Hospice Center in Loveland on Aug. 14, 2004.
Bert was raised in Gunnison and graduated from Rifle High School. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He graduated from Mesa Junior College and earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado. Bert taught as a secondary and elementary teacher in Jefferson County for 29 years.
Bert married Dorothy Gene Smit on Sept. 6, 1958, in Pueblo.
Bert traveled extensively. Summer vacations were devoted to Dorothy and the kids. The family’s customized and frequently rebuilt VW camper was driven throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico to visit extended family and points of interest along the way.
He was a student of life, enjoying history and the sciences. He was able to break complex, mechanical processes down to a layman’s perspective and was able to describe and share the importance of historical, geographical and geological sites.
He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many happy hours hunting and fishing with friends and family. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, relative and friend to many.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Loveland; son John and wife Theresa of Merino and their children, Jenifer and husband Bryan Strickland of Fort Morgan and Zachary of Merino; son Mark and wife Ruth and their children, Benjamin and Rachel, all of Herndon, Va.; and daughter, Sarah of Loveland. He is also survived by his brother Loran and wife Lu of Grand Junction; and sister Eunice Darley of Darrington, Wash.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Delos, Lee, Dora, John, Mary Etta and Gracia.
Burial will be in Loveland Burial Park, with a private family memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Larimer County, 7604 Colland Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525 or to the charity of your choice.
Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
WOOD:
Shirlee C. Wood, 68, of Loveland died July 30, 2004, in Loveland.
She was born May 17, 1936, in Denver to Ira A. and Frances B. Austin.
She was a retired licensed practical nurse.
She was a loving sister and mother. Her passions were sports and reading. She was a huge Broncos, John Elway and Brett Favre fan. She loved NASCAR racing. She especially loved reading medical books, books on American poetry and her Bible.
She is survived by three sons, Rocky Rollins of Clearfield, Utah, Lance Rol-lins of Loveland, and Monty Wood of Loveland; a daughter, Melody Cunningham of Chubbuck, Idaho; four sisters, Jan Leonard of Soldier, Idaho,
Gloria Jean Roe of Denver, Barbara Stanfield of Arvada, and Bonnie Bigolin of Green River, Wyo.; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Austin of Loveland, in 1988; her father, Ira Austin of Green River, in 1997; brothers Davey Austin and Norris Austin; and sister Ruthie Doty.
The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church, 2000 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland. Inurnment will be in Loveland Burial Park.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Larimer County in care of Resthaven Funeral Home, 100 E. County Road 30, Fort Collins, 80525.
FRANCESCHI:
Mary A. Franceschi, 89, of Loveland, died Sept. 3, 2004, at McKee Medical Center in Loveland.
She was born June 21, 1915, in Hillburn, N.Y., to Joseph and Concetta (Tonelli) Baccili. She married Peter Franceschi on Jan. 11, 1931, in New York, N.Y. He preceded her in death in 1985. She was a homemaker and a devoted mother and grandmother.
She is survived by a son, Richard and wife Linda of
Eldred, N.Y.; a daughter, Rita Christman and husband George of Berthoud; a brother, Albert Baccili and wife Olympia of Fort Collins; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by brothers, Anthony and Joseph, and a sister, Frances Dunn.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 3448 N. Taft Ave., Loveland.
Cremation will be conducted.
Inurnment will be at the church.
Memorial gifts may be made in the name of Mary A. Franceschi to a charity of choice.
Northern Colorado Crematory in Greeley is in charge of arrangements.
GRAY:
Edna May Gray of Colorado Springs, Colo. Memorial service 11 a.m., Sept. 14, at Allnutt Funeral Service Chapel.
Edna May Gray passed away Aug. 28, 2004, at the age of 88.
She was born to Hugh and Gladys Glover in Center, Colo., on May 25, 1916. She lived and attended schools in Center and the San Luis Valley during her youth. In 1941, she married William Paul Gray, who at that time was teaching school at Saguache, Colo. Edna and Paul lived in various rural towns in Colorado where Paul continued his teaching of vocational agriculture.
In 1953, the couple moved to Washington, D.C., where Paul became the national secretary of the Future Farmers of America and Edna was employed by the Department of Defense. They both retired in 1981 and moved to Loveland. Paul passed away in 1990. Thereafter Edna became a resident of the Good Samaritan Village in Loveland.
Edna is survived by her sisters, Eula Vidmar of Loveland and Helen Ellison of Colorado Springs; her brother-in-law, Willis Gray of Berthoud; nephews, nieces and cousins.
For the past seven years Edna had been afflicted with the devastating Alzheimer’s disease and had been tenderly cared for at the Namaste Center in Colorado Springs.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, at Allnutt Funeral Service Chapel, 2100 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that contributions be made to Namaste Center, 2 Penrose Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
Her final resting place will be in the family plot at Mizpah Cemetery, Platteville.
KALLSEN:
Roberta E. Kallsen, 85, of Loveland, died Sept. 6, 2004, at McKee Medical Center in Loveland.
She was born Jan. 30, 1919, in Cumberland, Wis., to Wulf Otto and Elsie Meta (Neuman) Hansen. She was raised and educated at Cumberland, where she graduated from high school. She married Raymond A. Kallsen on March 28, 1939, in Cumberland. He preceded her in death on June 29, 1994.
They moved to Burns, Wyo., and then to Grover, Colo. They lived at Grover from 1943 to 1964. In 1964 they moved to Loveland. She worked at Hewlett-Packard in Loveland for 18 years, before retiring.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Loveland, where she was active in Bible study. She also was very active in the AARP Loveland Chapter.
She is survived by a son, Ernie Kallsen of Greeley; a daughter, Janet Long of Colorado Springs; seven grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Nyhus; and two brothers, August Hansen and William Hansen.
Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. tonight at Adamson Memorial Downtown Chapel in Greeley.
Services will be 9:30 a.m. Friday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1101 Hilltop Drive in Loveland.
Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Greeley.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran School, in care of Adamson Memorial Downtown Chapel, 827 Fifth St., Greeley, CO 80631.
KREUTZER:
Richard Brittain Kreutzer, 86, passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2004, in Green Valley, Ariz., from natural causes.
Richard was born to William Richard Kreutzer and Mary McIntosh Kreutzer in Gunnison, Colo., on Sept. 19, 1917. A longtime Coloradan, his family roots went back to the 1860s when his grandfather home-steaded in Jarre Canyon outside Se-dalia. The family moved to Fort Col-lins eventually and later made their home in Loveland, where he lived from 1973 to 1998.
He married Barbara (Byouk) Kreutzer in 1942 in Greeley. Barbara passed away in 1994. Richard married Pauline Birky-Kreutzer on June 5, 1998.
Richard lived a long and productive life which included the Forest Service, the military and teaching at the college level.
Richard obtained his college degree from Colorado A&M, later known as Colorado State University, in 1939, where he was a member of the Pacemakers. He was an Outstanding Educator of America in 1973 and was awarded a Distinguished Alumnus award from CSU in l989.
His original career began with the U.S. Forest Service in 1939 as he followed in the footsteps of his father, William Kreutzer, who was the first forest ranger in the United States commissioned by then-President Roosevelt. Richard’s Forest Service career was cut short when he entered World War II as a regular army field artillery officer. He made the army his career serving in three wars concluding his distinguished Army career in the mid-1960s. He served 281/2 years in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of full colonel. Among his many awards were two Purple Hearts for wounds received, two Silver Stars for bravery under fire, and the Army’s Legion of Merit for his dedicated service.
He was active in Northern Colorado civic affairs during his retirement years serving on the Larimer County Council on Aging, and as a volunteer for the American Red Cross Disaster and VISTA teams. He was instrumental in assisting disaster victims in the aftermath of the 1976 Big Thompson Flood.
He was devoted to his wife Pauline Birky-Kreutzer, formerly of Fort Collins, now of Green Valley, Ariz. Pauline and Richard shared many years together, spending time at their Virginia Dale, Colo., house with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Kreutzer, two brothers, Edward and William Kreutzer and his sister, Mary (Kreutzer) Robertson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pauline Birky-Kreutzer; daughter, Sue in Loveland; his sons, Richard (Cate) in Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Robert (Jennifer) in Wheat Ridge. He is survived by his grandchildren, Jonathan, Benjamin, Kevin, Michael, Andrew and Nicholas; his stepchildren, Ann and Mike Savageau and their children, Mark and Elisa of California, and Bill and Susan Birky of Arizona. In addition, the extended Kreutzer family throughout Colorado feels his loss where he has many nieces and nephews and their children.
Donations may be made in Richard Kreutzer’s name to the American Red Cross, 120 Saturn Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Cards may be sent to Pauline Birky-Kreutzer in care of La Posada, 700 S. La Posada Circle, Green Valley, AZ 85614.
MATHEWS:
Dessie D. Mathews, 87, of Loveland, died Sept. 3, 2004, in Loveland.
She was born April 8, 1917, in Marshall, Ark., to William Riley Burnett and Zip Ora Smith Burnett. She married George R. Mathews on Jan. 22, 1934, in Stilwell, Okla. He preceded her in death in May 1997.
They eventually moved their family to Colorado and lived in Eagle County, Littleton, Grand Junction and Loveland. Her last place of employment was in Eagle County, where she served as deputy treasurer.
During her life she held membership with the American Legion Auxiliary and Rebekah Lodge in Gypsum. She also attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland.
She is survived by a daughter, Neeoma Lee Coston and husband Ted Coston of Loveland; two brothers, Leon Burnett of Stilwell, and Bud Burnett of Bloomberg, Texas; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by siblings, Tom Burnett, J.D. Burnett, Imogene Allen, Nell Burnett and Winnie Mathews.
Services will be 9 a.m. today, Sept. 9, 2004, at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd., Littleton.
Burial will be in Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery.
SCHUSTER:
Leoda Jane Schuster of Loveland. Memorial service 4:30 p.m., Saturday, September 11 at Allnutt Funeral Service Chapel.
Leoda Jane Schuster, 70, of Loveland, passed away Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004, after a lengthy illness.
She was born Jan. 25, 1934, in Fairmont, Minn., to Edward and Elsa
Schweiger. Leoda attended Fairmont High School and enrolled in the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduation. While stationed in Qauntico, Va., she met and married fellow U.S. Marine Harold R. Schuster. After raising her children and being a homemaker, Leoda went to work with the Department of Agriculture and later with the Bureau of Reclamation. She retired after a fulfilling career.
Leoda enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, sailing, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Her kindness, compassion and sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Preceded in death by her parents, Leoda is survived by her husband of 50 years, Harold R. Schuster; son, Richard D. Schuster and wife Nancy, all of Loveland, and their children, Kevin, Kelly and Patrick; daughter, Holly J. Fischer and husband, Michael of Princeville, Hawaii; daughter, Cathryn H. Sanders and husband Douglas of Fort Collins and their children,
Chloe and Delaney; sisters, Dorothy Anderson of Armstrong, Iowa, Lori Griffin and husband Jack of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Marvis Slavin and husband Donald of Avon, Fla.; and brother, Paul Schweiger of Graettinger, Iowa, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Sierra Vista Health Care Center as well as the staff of Hospice of Larimer County.
A memorial service will be 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, at Allnutt Funeral Service Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Larimer County c/o Allnutt Funeral Service, 2100 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80538.
SENNETT:
Ivan Leroy Sennett of Loveland. Service 2 p.m. Friday, September 10 at Allnutt Funeral Service Chapel. Interment in Loveland Burial Park.
Ivan L. Sennett, 88, passed away in Loveland, on Sept. 7, 2004.
A resident of Loveland since 1943, Mr. Sennett was born in rural Nebraska near the town of Ansley on July 20, 1916, to James C. and Hazel M. Sennett. He married Maxine L. Gressley on June 6, 1937, in Broken Bow, Neb.
Ivan graduated from Mason City High School in 1935, and started his business career in Gering, Neb., in partnership with his brother-in-law, Ralph McCloughan. They owned the Gambles Store for several years until moving to Loveland.
He became his father’s business partner in Sennett Hardware and Furniture, which he owned and operated for more than 20 years. Mr. Sennett also owned several businesses including Sennett Hardware in Johnstown, Norge Village in Cheyenne, and S&S Ford Implement Co. in Scottsbluff, Neb.
Sennett Realty was opened in 1963 in Loveland, where he was active in land development, real estate sales and investments until his retirement in 1998. He was active in the Loveland Board of Realtors, where he served as president and was honored as Loveland Realtor of the Year. His son, Bryan Sennett, became his business partner in Sennett Realty in 1974.
Mr. Sennett was active in the community, serving on the Loveland Chamber of Commerce board of directors; president of the Cosmopolitan Club; he was a 59-year member of Loveland Elks Lodge; captain of the Larimer County Sheriffs Mounted Patrol; and a member of the Larimer County Planning Commission. He was a member of the Larimer County Fair Board for more than 30 years, where he chaired the Rodeo Committee.
His great love and avocation was raising Quarter Horses for more than 50 years. He showed horses and competed in rodeo events at the local, state and national level, culminating in his qualification for the World Championship Cow Penning event for five consecutive years ending in 1996 at the age of 80. He was a lifetime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine in 1985, and his sister, Audrey Kimball of Greeley.
He is survived by his son, Bryan Sennett and his wife Gay of Loveland; his daughter, Sherry K. Rytting and her husband Brent Rytting of Colorado Springs; five grandchildren, Bryan Van Meveren, Darin Sennett, Lisa Birkett, Shannon Sennett and Julie Foster ; 11 great-grandchildren, his sister, Isal Wilder of Loveland; his sister-in-law, Marie McCloughan of Loveland; his brother-in-law, Lou Kimball of Greeley; numerous nieces and nephews and his very special friend, Becky Chrisman of Loveland.
Services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at Allnutt Funeral Chapel in Loveland.
Internment will be in the Loveland Burial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ivan Sennett’s name to the Larimer County Hospice c/o Allnutt Funeral Service, 2100 North Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80538.
WAGNER:
Lillian S. Wagner, 86, of Loveland, died Sept. 4, 2004, in Loveland.
She was born April 22, 1918, in Houstonia, Mo., to Lilly Bear Stephens and Joseph Longan Stone.
In 1935, she graduated from the one-room schoolhouse where she had attended school for first through 12th grade.
She loved all music, especially country, and also loved the Broncos and the Rockies.
She worked hard all her life and gained the respect of the community. She helped her neighbors when physically possible.
She endured good and tough times, but always managed to come out ahead.
She is survived by her son, William Longan Barlish of Jefferson City, Mo.; daughter, Melody Lorimor of Northglenn; sister, Celeste Lucille Elsner of Boca Raton, Fla.; and three grandchildren.
Her husbands preceded her in death.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Resthaven Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at the United Methodist Church, 533 N. Grant Ave., Loveland. Interment at Resthaven Memory Gardens will immediately follow the church service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation, in care of Resthaven Funeral Home, 100 E. County Road 30, Fort Collins, 80525.
WEBER-BROWN:
Eleanor Louise Weber-Brown, 80, of Johnstown died Sept. 3, 2004, in Loveland.
She was born Nov. 28, 1923, in Loveland to Arthur C. and Margaret Arndt Englehardt.
She married David Weber on March 31, 1939, in Windsor. In January 1995, she married Raymond Brown in Laramie Wyoming.
She was actively involved with the Fort Collins, Johns-town and Milliken senior centers. She loved fishing and flower gardening.
Survivors include her sons, Larry Weber and wife Patty of Johnstown and Timothy Weber and wife Kathy of Windsor; daughter Barbara Smith and husband Mick of Fort Collins; sister Florence Engle and husband Loren of Longmont; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by husband Raymond Brown in February 1996; former husband David Weber in 1987; and brother Harry Englehardt.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Inurnment will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens.
Memorial contributions are to Hospice of Larimer County in care of Resthaven Funeral Home, 100 E. County Road 30, Fort Collins, 80525.
