Donald Lee Frees
Donald Lee Frees, 81, died Dec. 2, 2004, and funeral services were held Dec. 13 in Rose Arbor Chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge.
Full military honors interment
was conducted by the U.S. Army and Veterans of Foreign Wars, was at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
Mr. Frees is survived by his daughter, Lisa (Christoph) Piorkowski, Henderson; brothers, Milburn (Edith) Frees, Prescott, Ariz., and Delmer (Shirley) Frees, Moffat; sister, Evelyn Stroh, Parker and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a designer, architect, and engineer best known for his work designing and building the Mount Lindo Cross near Morrison.
Born to Buena Vista area ranchers Lawrence E. and Bernice Frees, he attended a one-room school for 12 years near their homestead ranch in South Park.
Mr Frees went to Pearl Harbor in 1942 as a civilian contractor reconstructing bomb-damaged buildings at Pacific Naval Air Station.
He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 at Pearl Harbor and served with the 34th combat engineers in the Pacific Theater during World War II and in Korea after its liberation from the Japanese.
Mr. Frees studied architecture at Denver University and worked with his brother Melburn Frees building houses and commercial show rooms. After he remodeled Olinger Mortuary in Wheat Ridge, the company offered him a full-time job.
He worked for Olinger Mortuary until his retirement, designing and constructing buildings including Rose Arbor Chapel and the Tower of Memories at Crown Hill Cemetery.
In 1963, he helped design the cross on Mount Lindo, near Morrison. Francis Van Derbur, who owned the Olinger mortuary business, intended the cross as a memorial to his wife, Pearl Olinger Van Derbur.
At 393 feet high and 254 feet wide, the wind-generator powered cross is visible for 80 miles on a clear night. It is the largest electrically lighted cross in the United States and pilots use it as a landmark.
His daughter, Lisa, a former Miss Colorado, became a professional actress and singer and he talked about her more than he did his business.
Peter Allen Young Jr.
Peter Allen Young Jr., 83, Cotopaxi, died Dec. 14, 2004, at his residence in Cotopaxi.
He was born Aug. 16, 1921, in Denver to Peter Sr. and Anna Idell (McCrory) Young.
Mr. Young married Oral Smith on Feb. 13, 1943, in California.
He served in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1970 as a helicopter and airplane pilot. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict.
Mr. Young was also a helicopter flight instructor in Mineral Wells, Texas from 1962 to 1964.
He started Y&K Excavation with Don Kaess in 1972.
He is survived by his son, Rich (Pam) Young, Salida; daughters, Nancy (Douglas) Bell, Phoenix, Ariz. and Sue (Don) Kaess, Salida; brother, Thomas (Bernadine) Young, Cotopaxi; sister, Marilyn (Robin) Knox, Littleton; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Oral Young; son, Peter Allen Young III and brother, Charles Young.
Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 17, 2004 at Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 18, 2004, at the Cotopaxi Community Church in Cotopaxi.
Interment
will follow at the Cotopaxi Cemetery. Please omit flowers.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Angel of Shavano Hospice through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Susan Bronwyn Davies
Susan Bronwyn Davies, known as Sue or Suzie, died of breast cancer Dec. 4, 2004 at Autumn Heights Health Care Center in Denver.
She was 57.
Ms. Davies was born Aug. 15, 1947, in Denver. She lived in Lafayette and Denver before moving to Estes Park, where she attended grade school.
She attended Belmont Junior High School in Lakewood, graduated from Jefferson High School in 1965 and attended the University of Colorado in Boulder for two years before entering X-ray technician training at Saint Luke Hospital in Denver.
She was an X-ray technician for several years in Colorado and Wyoming, but wanted to be outdoors. She worked in a uranium mine in Wyoming and then for the U.S. Forest Service, planting trees.
Her next vocation was home maintenance and she became a live-in care provider for Mary Shideler, which led her to care of the elderly.
Ms. Davies moved to Howard, where she completed certified nursing training and worked in nursing homes. She found satisfaction working with and comforting the elderly.
She loved the mountains and hiking; collected rocks, deer antlers and weathered wood; was an avid reader and had a special affection for animals, always having dogs or a cat which needed to be adopted.
Ms. Davies enjoyed the company of friends, had long lasting friendships and met new people wherever she went.
Survivors include her parents, Tom and Lucille Davies, Grand Junction; a sister, Mary (Ron) Stevens, Littleton and a brother, Bob (Barbara) of Colorado Springs; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and great-nieces.
At her request, there will be no memorial service, but friends and family plan to gather to celebrate her life in spring 2005.
Contributions in her honor may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Autumn Heights Health Care Center; the local humane society or charity of choice.
Elizabeth W. Weaber
Elizabeth W. Weaber, 91, died Dec. 13, 2004.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold R. Weaber.
She is survived by her daughter, Jeannine Claffey, Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Vicki (Michael) Chase, Colorado Springs and Dianna Claffey, Liberty Hill, Texas.
Mrs. Weaber was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Pueblo and was a Blue Lady at Parkview Hospital for many years.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Imperial Memorial Gardens, Pueblo. Those who wish may make donations directly to Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center or through the Adrian-Comer Funeral Home, 2710 N. Elizabeth, Pueblo, CO 81003.
Teen Brady
Mass of the Christian Burial for Teen Brady was held at 10 a.m. Dec. 8, 2004, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Fr. Henry Grodecki CM officiated. Organist was DiAnn Bourget and soloist was Cathryn Bishop Campbell.
Musical selections were “What A Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Here I Am Lord,” “Ave Maria,” “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” and “How Great Thou Art.”
Pallbearers were Pat Hagan, Rick Hagan, Larry Brady Jr., Bill Brady, Dale Hampa and Eddie Martinez.
Junior honorary pallbearers were Keith Hampa, Kevin Hagan, Shane Hagan, Kyle Hagan, Gavin Hagan, Gavin Brady, Josh Graham, Jimmy Graham, Eric Martinez, Jacory Brady, Jarrid Brady and Joseph Brady.
Memories of Teen were shared by her grandson, Rich Hagan.
Interment
followed at Fairview Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Gerald Roberts
Gerald Roberts, 85, died Dec. 31, 2004, at Salina (Kansas) Regional Health Center.
He was born Oct. 5, 1919, in the Council Grove Community as the son of Emmett and Clara Suebert Roberts. He was raised in Strong City Community and attended Strong City Schools.
Mr. Roberts began his rodeo career at age 13 and was World Champion All Around Cowboy in 1942 and 1948.
He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs.
Arriving in Abilene, Kan., in 1964, he established the Chap-Parel Manufacturing Co. producing rodeo equipment. On May 27, 1966, He married Pat Hershberger May 27, 1966.
He was a lifetime member of the Western and English Sales Association, lifetime member and gold card holder in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Mr. Roberts was a member of the Screen Actors Guild when he was a motion picture stuntman, an honorary member of the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Committee, and Abilene Elks Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Clifford, Ken and Howard Roberts; sister, Marge Hart and daughter, Jaye Roberts.
Survivors are his wife Pat, Abilene; son, Jim Roberts, Abilene; five daughters, Lala Roberts, Dallas, Texas; Claudette Roberts, Lancaster, Calif.; Geri Roberts, Dallas; Kasey Smith, Dallas and Joye Turner, Joplin, Mo.; sister, Gloria Beck, Clay Center, Kan.; 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Jan. 5, 2005, at Abilene First United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Justin Cowboy’s Crisis Fund in care of Danner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 758, Abilene, KS. 67410.
JoDell Palese
JoDell Palese, 89, former longtime Salida resident, died Jan. 4, 2005, at Progressive Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev.
Mrs. Palese was born Nov. 5, 1915, in Lublin, Wis., to John and Rosealie Tenczynski.
Mrs. Palese spent most of her life as a dairy farmer in Wisconsin. She was a past member of the National Farmers Organization and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
She enjoyed making jewelry, ceramics and gardening.
Mrs. Palese was preceded in death by her parents and husbands, Walter Kent, Allan Pixler and Dan Palese; a brother, John and sisters, Stella and Helen.
She is survived by her brother-in-law, Cecil Smith, Las Vegas, Nev. and sisters-in-law, Rose Cicerelli, Lilly Palese and Louise Mazza, all of Salida; nieces and nephews, Leonard Smith, Beverley Miller, Linda Zenger, Shirley Gray, Tony (Sue) Sarlo, Jill Sarlo, Jason Zenger and Lisa Zenger.
Private interment
will take place at Fairview Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Jim Schaffer
Jim Schaffer died Dec. 22, 2004, at the Colorado State Nursing Home in Rifle after a short illness.
He was born Oct. 17, 1927, in Syracuse, Kan., to Alfred and Ramona Schaffer .
Mr. Schaffer attended Syracuse Schools and joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and his junior year in high school. After the military, he worked various jobs in Syracuse.
He married Marilyn Spencer Nov. 4, 1954, at Raton, N.M., in the United Methodist Church. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Mr. Schaffer loved wood working, building model planes, and building miniature doll houses and barns. He enjoyed hunting and fishing when time permitted. He loved animals and pets were a big part of his life. He was christened at the United Methodist Church in Syracuse, Kan.
He and Marilyn moved from Syracuse to Colorado Springs in 1955, where he worked for Oliver and Associates.
In 1961 they moved to Twin Lakes where he worked for a water well drilling firm, eventually starting his own business, Twin Lakes Drilling Co.
After retiring, the Schaffers moved to Casa Grande, Ariz., until 1998 when they returned to Syracuse to be closer to his mother.
His father, W.A. Schaffer; an infant brother, Billy Joe Schaffer and a daughter, Micky Sue Rogers, preceded him in death.
Survivors are his wife, Marilyn; mother, Ramona Schaffer, Syracuse; and four daughters, Chris (Tom) Fox, Buena Vista; Lauri (Steve) Sebestyen, Parachute; Pamela (Rudy) Fierro, Chandler, Ariz. and Toni (Pat) Thompson, Encinitas, Calif.; a brother, Pete (Linda) Schaffer, Hesperia, Calif.; grandsons, Matt and Ben Fox, Buena Vista; Jeremy Sebestyen, Parachute and James Thompson, Encinitas; granddaughters, Jamie Sebestyen, Parachute; Tanya Fierro, Chandler, Ariz. and Radha Thompson, Encinitas; great-grandchildren, Jon and Aron Fox, Buena Vista and Ashley Sebestyen and Gage Amsberry, Parachute, with a fifth on the way and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Twin Lakes at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Veterans Administration home in Rifle, or the United Methodist Church of Syracuse, Kan.
John H. Hanfelt
John H. Hanfelt, 74, longtime Salida resident, died Jan. 1, 2005, at Columbine Manor Nursing Home in Salida.
Mr. Hanfelt was born April 12, 1930, in Omaha, Neb., to Francis L. and Abbie (Higgins) Hanfelt.
Mr. Hanfelt was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, taught confirmation classes, was a member of RCIA Team and was a Eucharistic Minister.
He enjoyed hiking, woodworking, reading, traveling and was an excellent carpenter.
Mr. Hanfelt married Jean Archuleta in June 1980 at St. Joseph Church in Salida. He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 through 1953 and subsequently obtained a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and later a master electrician’s license.
His love of the West led to a job with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, helping build Flaming Gorge Dam in Dutch John, Utah, and the Blue Mesa Dam in Gunnison.
He supervised construction of power lines in Utah and Colorado, often in rugged areas.
In 1980, Mr. Hanfelt moved to Salida and joined Avery Structures Inc. of Buena Vista during completion of the Mt. Elbert Pumped-Storage Power Plant.
From 1985-94 he was an owner/partner in the local firms of Power and Control Systems Inc., and Western Controls Systems Inc., which designed and built specialized electrical control panels. After retiring in 1994, he continued as a consultant for local firms.
Mr. Hanfelt was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Fran Hanfelt.
Survivors are his wife, Jean Hanfelt, Salida; sons, Matthew (Marianne) Hanfelt, Marquette, Mich. and Dr. John (Elizabeth) Hanfelt, Atlanta, Ga.; daughters, Teri Joyer, Portland, Ore.; Dr. Diane (Michael) Goade, Albuquerque, N.M.; Kathleen Hanfelt, Orange, Calif.; Maj. Margery Hanfelt, Germany; Jeanette Costa, Anaheim, Calif. and Laurette (Carson) Hamlin, Loveland.
More survivors include sisters, Margaret Moses, Basehor, Kan.; Kay (Clayton) Jennings, Edwardsville, Kan.; Mary Hanfelt, Fairway, Kan.; 13 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 5, 2005, at Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 5, 2005, at Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Mass of the Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Jan. 6, 2005, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment
will follow in Fairview Cemetery.
Friends who desire may make memorial contributions to St. Joseph Catholic Church through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
John H. Hanfelt
Mass of Christian Burial for John H. Hanfelt was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Fr. Henry Grodecki, C.M. was the celebrant. Musicians were Di Ann Bourget and Cathryn Bishop Campbell. Musical selections were “My Wild Irish Rose,” “Ye Watches Ye Holy One,” “Prayer Of St. Francis,” “The King Of Love My Shepherd Is” and “You Are Mine.”
Pallbearers were Matt Hanfelt, John Hanfelt, Mike Goade, Carson Hamlin, Mike Joyer and Butch Polasek. Honorary pallbearers were Ron Archuleta, Bob Archuleta, Albert Archuleta, Clayton Jennings and Johnathon Costa.
Interment
was at Fairview Cemetery where members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars held flag presentation ceremonies, a 21 gun salute and “Taps.”
Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Sally McCoy
Sally McCoy died Dec. 31, 2004, in her home after a lengthy illness.
She was born April 3, 1934, in Madill, Okla., and grew up in the McMillian and Madill, Okla. area. She moved with her husband and four children to Colorado in 1957.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Howard McCoy, her children, Danny, Benny, Janie and Cindy, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She worked for many years at the Placer Restaurant in Granite.
Services were held Jan. 3, 2005, at Runyan Mortuary with the Rev. Dan Bruce officiating.
Interment
followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Mrs. McCoy’s memory to Mt. Shavano Hospice Services, 543 E. First St., Salida, CO 81201.
Woodrow W. Shields
Woodrow W. Shields, 87, died Dec. 31, 2004, in Cañon City.
Mr. Shields was born Sept. 14, 1917, in Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County, Texas, to Joseph Lee and Sarah Lisbeth (Chick) Shields.
He enjoyed fly fishing and farming and ranching. He worked in a cannery during World War II.
Mr. Shields spent most of his life as a farmer and rancher. He enjoyed doing all the things that came with the occupation. He could make almost anything grow if he had water and he was expert in handling livestock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a grandson, Justin Shields.
Survivors include his wife, Buddie Shields, Cañon City; sons, David (Renee) Shields, Coaldale; Joe (Sue) Shields, Kremmling; Jack (Pam) Shields, Ria Vista, Texas and Mike (Jan) Shields, Loma; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be from 1-5 p.m. today at Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Services are set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, at Cotopaxi Community Church. Interment
will follow in Coaldale Cemetery.
Friends who want to may make memorial contributions to Cotopaxi Community Church through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Woodrow W. Shields
Funeral services for Woodrow W. Shields were held at 11 a.m. Jan. 4, 2005, at the Cotopaxi Community Church.
Rev. Bill Korf officiated. Organist was Mary Petzold and soloist was Brenda Heckel. Musical selections were “Just As I Am,” “I Bowed On My Knees and Cried Holy,” “This World is Not My Home” and “How Great Thou Art.”
Pallbearers were Mr. Shields’ grandchildren.
Charles Smith read a story of Mr. Shields’ life that was written by his son David Shields. Memories of Mr. Shields were shared by his sons, Joe and Mike Shields.
Interment
was in Coaldale Cemetery. Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Mae Swann
Mae Swann, 85, Buena Vista, died Jan. 22, 2005, at Columbine Manor.
She was born Nov. 3, 1919, in Jennings, Kan., to Matt and Minnie Kaspar. She married Frank M. Swann March 16, 1942, in Columbia, S.C. They moved to Buena Vista with their three children in September 1961.
Mrs. Swann worked her entire life in various places in Buena Vista and for more than 20 years at Deer Valley Guest Ranch. She loved to sew and took great pleasure in her needlework, crossword puzzles and family.
She was loved by everyone whose life she touched. She was a charter member of Mountain Heights Southern Baptist Church.
Mrs. Swann was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; son, Ralph and granddaughter Byrie.
Survivors include her son, Frank R. (Jacquie) Swann; daughter, Julie Hupper of Buena Vista and her life companion, Gary Geist; grandchildren Lance Hupper and Chelsea Hupper of Tempe, Ariz.; Jaime Swann, Castle Rock; Rick Morris and Dawn Wilson of Buena Vista; C. J. Swann, Angelyne Swann, Cynthia Swann and Frank Swann II, all of Harker Heights, Texas; great-grandchildren Aspen Bailey and Treston Swann, Castle Rock; Alyssa Canode and Joshua Canode, Buena Vista; and Darrian Wilson, Sterling.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, at Mountain Heights Southern Baptist Church. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Herbert E. Owen
Herbert E. Owen, Ph.D., 79, a long time Salida resident, died Jan. 26, 2005, at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center in Salida.
Mr. Owen was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Waco, Texas, to Herbert E. and Helen M. (Basey) Owen II.
Mr. Owen served in the U.S. Navy Sea Bees during World War II.
He married Lillie Jane Luna Oct. 31, 1953, in Salem, Ore. Mr. Owen was a professor of biology for 23 years at Ft. Lewis College in Durango and retired in 1979. Mr. Owen and his wife then moved to Salida.
He was a past vice president of U.S. Soil and was currently working there as a consultant. Mr. Owen was an honorary member of the first Salida Garden Club, a member of the American Rose Society, Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs and Columbine Garden Club of Buena Vista.
Mr. Owen was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Lillie Jane Owen, Salida; sons, Troy A. Owen, Durango and William A. (Pam) Owen, Mission Viejo, Calif.; daughter, Kathryn J. (Craig) Coutlee, Durango; grandchildren, Peter, Micah and Faith Marie Owen; Jake Owen Coutlee, Erica and Nadia Owen; two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert E. Owen Arboretum and Living Class Room at the Ft. Lewis College Foundation.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Marjorie Sue Skinner
Marjorie Sue Skinner, 93, longtime Salida resident, died Jan. 20, 2005, at her home in Salida.
She was born Oct. 11, 1911, in Shawnee, Okla., to Milton and Litta (Wilson) Gilbert.
Mrs. Skinner is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and her cat, Sambo.
She lived an active life and visited Europe in her youth – when there were no planes – and spent time in Palembang, Sumatra and Indonesia with her husband, Loren, a chemical engineer.
Mrs. Skinner studied fine arts in college and her house is filled with her paintings and other creations based upon her love of cats and dogs.
She was on the Salida Museum Board, supported Salida Regional Library and the Steam Plant.
No services are planned, but individual prayers are welcome.
Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Alexander Geist
Alexander Geist, 93, longtime Salida resident, died Jan. 23, 2005, at Hildebrand Care Center in Cañon City. He was born Jan. 6, 1912, in Russia to Christian and Katherine (Eichman) Geist.
Alexander emigrated from Germany to the United States when he was 10 years old.
Mr. Geist owned and operated Al’s Body and Paint Shop in Salida for many years.
At one time, he also worked at Stapleton Chevrolet. His main interests included tending to his flowers and gardening.
He is survived by his son Gary (life partner Julie Hupper) Geist, Buena Vista and daughter, Marty (Richard) Burleson, Florence; four grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lela (Starbuck) Geist and many brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 27, 2005, at Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. Please omit flowers.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Alexander Geist
Memorial services for Alexander Geist were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home, Salida.
Rev. Harold Vance officiated. Organist was Marcia Vance and soloists were Russ and Lynn Purcell. Musical selections were “The Lily of the Valley” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”
A private family interment
followed the service at Fairview Cemetery.
Arrangements were with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
Margaret Ann Lally
Margaret Ann Lally, 73, Salida, died Jan. 22, 2005, at Columbine Manor Nursing Home.
She was born June 16, 1931, in Newark, N.J., to Ira and Catherine DeBlayker.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Calabrese and Cathy Lally of Belleville, N.J., and five grandchildren.
There are no services planned at this time.
Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.
