Dennis Speicher

Dennis Eugene Speicher, 71, of Gill, Colorado was born October 16, 1940 in Holyoke, Colorado to Gordon Leroy and Rosie Opal (Owens) Speicher. He died January 20, 2012 at Aspen House in Loveland.

Dennis was a life long farmer who had a deep love of the land. He farmed in the Berthoud-Loveland area for over 45 years. In 2002, he retired from farming due to health issues, and he and his wife moved to Gill to enjoy their retirement. He had a long love for horses, which led him to enjoy many horse related activities, and meet and make many friends across the country. He owned and operated Speicher Harness Shop, where he made custom draft horse harness. His love of draft horses was formed when, as a boy, his Dad farmed with horses in the Holyoke area. He loved to sit behind a team of horses, and hear the quiet of the outdoors. He was a charter member of the Northern Colorado Draft Horse Association, holding most offices in that club over the years. He was also a member of the Antique Caterpillar Club, and a past member of the Berthoud Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to horses and antique equipment, Dennis loved to camp and fish, ride his motorcycle and spend time at the local coffee shop, reminiscing with friends.

He married Marjorie Schroetlin in Loveland on August 7, 1958. They were blessed with two children: Denise and Douglas.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Marje, of over 53 years, daughter Denise Lauerman and husband Steven of Loveland, son Douglas Speicher and wife Pam of Greeley, sisters Nadine Hooley of Loveland, and Donna (Calvin) Lohnes of Johnstown, and brother Devere (Nancy) Speicher of Loveland: 3 beloved grandaughters, Tanya Banulis (Brad) of Montrose, Raquel Wertsbaugh of Salida, and Heather Speicher (Steve) of Ft. Collins. Also 3 adored great-grandchildren, Landon Walker, Tyler and Addison Banulis, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Jim Wertsbaugh, and two grandsons, Casey and Richard Wertsbaugh.

Viewing will be Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 10:00 a.m., at the First Christian Church, 2000 N. Lincoln Ave, Loveland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice or Aspen House to further education and training for dementia and Alzheimer patients and caregivers, in care of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home, 1102 N. Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO 80537.

Trudi Lynn Hershman

April 12, 1960 – January 8, 2012

Trudi Lynn Hershman, of Berthoud, Colorado, passed away on January 8, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born to Sandy and Jess Gingery in Longmont, Colorado, on April 12, 1960. Trudi graduated from Berthoud High School in 1978, and married David Hershman on October 1, 1977. After her children started grade school, Trudi followed her dream of going to college. She earned a degree in accounting and teaching from Colorado State University and went on to work for Boulder County Aging Services and Human Services.

Trudi loved her large family, friends, and co-workers. She enjoyed camping and 4-wheeling in the great outdoors and spent many weekends in the mountains with her family and friends. Nothing was more important to her than spending time with her family. She also liked shopping with the girls and quilting.

To know Trudi was to love her, and anyone that knew her would agree. She is survived by her beloved husband, David, son Jared, daughter Jennifer Domann, Jennifer’s husband Brian, and her soon-to be born granddaughter, Svea.  Trudi’s dream was to see Svea and we know she will.

She is further survived by her mother, Sandy Gingery; sisters Sheri Orback, Jodi Starck and Mindi Jones; her brother Allan Gingery; and numerous nieces and nephews. Trudi was preceded in death by her father, Jess Gingery.

A celebration of Trudi’s life will be held at Grace Place, 250 Mountain Ave., Berthoud, on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 10:00 am, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions to HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties can be sent to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel in her memory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences

Clinton Alvord Rockwell Jr.

Mar. 12, 1914 – Dec. 30, 2011

Clinton Rockwell Jr., 97, of El Centro passed away Friday, December 30.

He was born March 12, 1914 in Wheatland, Wyoming. Clinton served with the Navy Seabees for 3 years and served in World War II. Following his service, he went on to work as a mechanical engineer for Great Western Sugar Factory in Colorado. He continued on to Rio Grand Railroad before going to work for Martin Merietta. He worked for Martin Merietta for 15 years before retiring in 1966. Clinton was later married to Marion Gay Rockwell on March 11, 2000 in Laughlin, NV.

He was preceded in death by Leonea and Clinton A. Rockwell.

Clinton is survived by his wife, Marion Rockwell; son, Clinton A. Rockwell III; grandsons, Jeffery Scot, and Paul Rockwell; great-grand- children, Abigale Rockwell, and Clinton Rockwell; stepdaughters, Catherine (Bob) Bogart, and Patricia (Tony) Avalos; stepsons, Anthony C. (Michelle) Martinez, and Steven V. (Renee) Martinez; and stepgrandchildren, Catherine and Sahara.

No services will be held.

Gary Ray Brack

Gary Ray Brack, 65, of Berthoud, passed away January 2, 2012 after a valiant eight-month battle with glioblastoma cancer. Gary was born to Ray and Betty Brack on October 26, 1946 in Great Bend, Kansas

Gary grew up in Fort Morgan, Colorado and graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1964. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, and served in Fort Lewis, Washington. He married Janet Isert, his first wife, in September of 1967.

Gary had a 41-year career in the gas pipeline industry. He started his career with Colorado Interstate Gas Company (CIG) in 1970 in Fort Morgan and was then transferred to Rawlins, Wyoming where he resided and then later retired from CIG after 30 years. After retiring from CIG in 2000, Gary continued his career for an additional 11 years as an independent contractor corrosion inspector.

Gary married Linda Sands on November 12, 1999. Gary and Linda traveled the country, enjoying life and making friends.

Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and had a special enthusiasm for campfires. He also enjoyed karaoke and spending time with family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, Linda of Berthoud; mother Betty Brack of Loveland; daughter, Liesa Brack Austin (John) of Castle Rock; son, Greg Brack of Casper, Wyoming; step-sons Shane Shurtz (Chris) of Windsor and Robert Sands (Tracy) of Casper; sister Evelyn Lindell (Everett) of Columbia, Missouri; mother-in-law Pat Oppie of Loveland; sister-in-law Brenda Gunter (Lenny) and sister-in-law Monica Corbell both of Loveland; 10 grandchildren and 7 nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 6 at 11:00 a.m., at Viegut Funeral Home.

For the exceptional care of Gary and his family; in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pathways Hospice of Larimer County (c/o Viegut Funeral Home, 1616 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538).

Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Robert “Bob” L. Brehm, 77, of Berthoud passed away peacefully on January 3, 2012 at his home. He was born December 10, 1934 in Johnstown, Colorado to Adam and Mary (Schafer) Brehm. He graduated from Berthoud High School in 1953, lettering in football and basketball. Bob married Charlene Johnson of Berthoud on February 26, 1956. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and received an honorable discharge. In May of 1959 he retired from Hewlett Packard after 32 years of services. Bob was well known as an avid outdoors man and farmer, he loved farming his 35 acres of land just south of Berthoud. Bob enjoyed his retirement and winters in Arizona, motorcycle riding, boating, small game hunting , and fishing.

Bob is survived by his wife Charlene Brehm; son James Brian Brehm of Bennett, Colorado; grandson Brian James Brehm of Loveland; granddaughter Sheena Elizabeth Brehm of Ovid, New York; and great grandson Logan Brewer of Ovid, New York. Bob is also survived by seven sisters Viola Gavoille of Eaton, Dorothy Held of Windsor, Ella Huwa, Lillian Schaffer and Ruby Harding all of Greeley, Maryanne Gooding of Fort Collins, Gerry Sterkel of Loveland, brother-in-law Richard Sterkel, and brothers-in-law Arthur Johnson (Lynn) and William Johnson (Terri) of Berthoud

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012, 10:00 A.M. at LifeBridge Christian Church, 10345 Ute Highway, Longmont. Viewing will held Friday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Viegut Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment at Greenlawn Cemetery in Berthoud.

Memorials may be made to LifeBridge Christian Church in care of Viegut Funeral Home.

Visit Viegut Loving Dedications for condolences

Thomas McGovern

Thomas McGovern, 48, of Berthoud passed away Saturday, December 24, 2011 at his home. He was born on July 19, 1963 in Denver, Colorado to Kevin and Darlene (Malmquist) McGovern. He graduated from Thornton High School in 1982. He lived in Florida before moving to Berthoud in 1998. Thomas had worked for Pouley Construction since 2004 and at Mastec North America prior to that. He loved the Lord and knew the Lord loved him. He was a loving son, brother, and uncle to his family. He enjoyed fishing, photography and playing poker.

Thomas is survived by his brothers, Shawn McGovern of Thornton and Patrick McGovern and his wife Tammy of Thornton; his sisters, Karen Morton and husband Gregory of Tennessee, Roxanne Dye and husband Blake of Berthoud, Marie Ford and husband Michael of Thornton, Kathy Bancroft of Castle Rock,  Mary Koop and husband Gerry of Littleton, Julie Jacovetta and husband Kevin of Arvada, and Michelle Samuel and husband Dustin of Aurora; he was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and his step-father David Owens.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Place Church, 250 Mountain Ave in Berthoud. Memorial contributions may be made to National Jewish Hospital in care of Allnutt Funeral Service.

Jason James Olinger of Timnath, Colorado passed away on December 17, 2011 at the age of 40. He was born in Bloomington, Illinois to Jack D. and M.J. Olinger.

Jason grew up and was baptized in Dubuque, Iowa. Early life found him around family, friends and relatives, where his dad taught him to bowl. At age eight, Jason and his family moved to Westminster, Colorado, where Jason attended Mesa Elementary and Scott Carpenter Junior High. During this time, he became a Boy Scout and was active in the Arvada soccer program. At age thirteen, Jason and his family moved to Berthoud. He attended Turner Middle School and graduated from Berthoud High School in 1989. At Berthoud High School, he played guard on the basketball team, ran with the cross-country track team, and played soccer. He left home to attend college at Ft Lewis in Durango, Colorado for two years and then to Fort Collins to become a CSU Ram.

His college days were followed by a successful sales career. Since 2004, he had worked for Pedersen Toyota of Ft Collins, earning many top sales awards along the way and establishing great relationships with clients, co-workers, and friends.

On September 6, 2007 in Capri, Italy Jason married Kathryn Crabtree. They made their home in Timnath, Colorado. They loved to travel together and with friends to Mexico, Breckenridge, and this fall to Australia. Some of the fondest memories come from spending time together with friends, enjoying the laughter and camaraderie. Over the last several months, Jason and his grandson, Samson, created a beautiful bond between them, one that will forever be held closely in the hearts of those who witnessed it. Jason was blessed to have so many friends and family he loved dearly.

Jason’s number was always 24 which he integrated into many aspects of his life. He was an avid sports fan and a collector of sports memorabilia. He loved bowling, cycling, golfing, fishing and riding his motorcycle. He always considered Michael Jordan his favorite athlete. He was also a Denver Nuggets fan.

Jason is survived by his wife, Kathryn Olinger of Timnath, CO; his parents, Jack D. and M.J. Olinger of Loveland, CO; sister, Juliana Olinger of Ft Collins; brother, Jeremy Olinger and wife Amy of Loveland; nieces and nephew, Amanda, Stephen, Kaytlyn, Madison, Rylee and Emilee; step-son, Jeffrey Jones (wife Rhiannon and son Samson) of Ft Collins, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial service to celebrate Jason’s life will be held on December 28, 2011, 10 am, at Timberline Church 2908 Timberline Rd, Ft Collins.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Jason James Olinger Memorial Fund in care of Allnutt Funeral Home 650 W Drake Rd, Ft Collins, CO 80526.

Renowned retired senator, Loveland native Fred Anderson dies Thursday

By Pamela Dickman Reporter-Herald Staff Writer

Posted: 12/23/2011 10:44:38 AM MST

Renowned state senator, water law expert and Loveland native Fred Anderson died of a heart attack at McKee Medical Center on Thursday afternoon.The 83-year-old had just finished shoveling a path from the house to the curb when he began to feel ill and suffered from a heart attack as paramedics were on their way to his Loveland home. He was well-known throughout the community and state for his activism, for his even-handed representation in the Colorado Senate and for his impact on state water law.Even after his retirement from the Senate in 1982, Anderson stayed active and interested in water issues. His wife recalls him having a telephone conversation about the South Platte River on the day of his death.

“He was really passionate about the work he did,” said Anne, his wife of 57 years. “He cared very much about his family and Colorado. It’s a wonderful legacy in growth.”

Anderson was instrumental in integrating ground and surface water rights and restructuring the state water laws in 1969, which Eric Wilkinson, general manager of Northern Water, called “a milestone in Colorado history.” He also helped achieve in-stream flow water rights, which affect water supply in Colorado today.

Mary Jeanette Danz

Mary Jeanette Danz of Berthoud died peacefully on December 15, 2011. Mary was a Christmas child, born on December 25, 1950 to Culver and Olga Danz in Ashland, Wisconsin. For the past 25 years Mary lived in Colorado and worked for Vet Line and for Sunrise Medical Center where she lit up the office with her joyful laughter and smile. 
Mary was known to her friends and family by many names including Marnie, Moonie and MeeMoo. One of her greatest joys was the many nieces and nephews who loved her as Moonie.

Marnie lived for the weekends when she could head out to scour garage sales for hot deals; she was an HGTV queen and an expert at making a room look special without spending much money. She held a special place in her heart for all animals, especially her cats. She also loved crafting, creating unique hand-made gifts and sharing them with family and friends. Marnie was blessed to have many wonderful and supportive friends. She brought great joy to their lives as did they to hers.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Culver and Olga Danz and one niece, Kristi Visocky. She is survived by three sisters and one brother, Donna (Bob) Visocky, Patricia Danz (Fred Mann), Michael (Jeri) Danz, Susan (Todd) Larson. She was the beloved aunt of Jason, Adam (Jen), Jenny (Sean Traynor) Visocky; Nicholas, Jordan and Rebecca Danz; Daniel (Amy), Kerri, Janna (Dan Granger) Larson and great nieces and nephews Nicholas and Drew Visocky, Hampton Traynor, Violet and Charlotte Larson.

A celebration of Marnie’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 21 at 6 p.m. at the Berthoud Area Community Center, 248 Welch Avenue, Berthoud.

Please go to Goes Funeral Care to sign Marnie’s online guestbook.

Kelsey Lee Falasco, of Berthoud, died on December 14, 2011. She was born on August 27, 1995 to Danny Falasco and Nikki Wells. Raised by her Father and her Grandparents Ron and Judy Falasco and for the last six years by Dwayne and Barbara Hummel. Sister of Jazmyn Lovenburg, Tommie Bartel, Forrest Hummel, Valley Hummel and Cliff Hummel. Sister-in law of Caitlin Hummel and Aunt to Aspen Hummel. Granddaughter of Ron and Judy Falasco, Joe Wells and Vicki Villanueva. Kelsey leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Kelsey loved to sing and perform. She had been involved in choir since early grade-school. She was a prolific writer who liked to journal and write songs. She was the President of her 4-H club, the Lucky Clover II and had been a member of 4-H since she was five. Some of her favorite projects were dairy cow, swine, cat and global citizenship.

She loved to travel. Kelsey had been to Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and Canada. In 2010, she spent the summer in Japan through the 4-H exchange program. She made friends everywhere she went. Kelsey had a large group of friends at school and in 4-H.

Kelsey was a loving, compassionate girl. She fell in love with Zachary Payne-Dunkleberger, who passed away from cancer this last October. She helped him in the last year of his life and brought him much joy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, December 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Place in Berthoud. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Berthoud High School Bridge Between Choir, in care of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home.

Friends may leave condolences through the Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home web site.