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Debra Marie Nelson
Bookkeeper in Rifle
Jan. 5, 1957 Dec. 29, 1999
RIFLE - Former Montrose resident, Debra Marie Nelson, age 42, of Rifle, died on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999, in the Valley View Hospital at Glenwood Springs. She had so much to give she gave all. Wednesday she exchanged her cross for a crown.
Debra Marie was born in Lamar, Colo. on Jan. 5, 1957. She graduated from Montrose High School and continued to pursue her education at Western State College in Gunnison.
Debbie was employed as a bookkeeper at the Action Shop in Rifle.
Debbie, from everyone who love you: "You are my night. You are my day. You are my hero in so many ways. You are my hope to carry on. You are my miracle, for, you make me strong.
"Debbie, you are beautiful and we love you dearly, more dearly than the spoken word can tell."
Survivors very grateful to have shared Debbie's life are her husband, Steve Nelson, of the family home in Rifle; and two sons: Terry D. Kyriss, serving in the United States Army and stationed at Ft. Polk, La.; and Corey J. Nelson, of the family home in Rifle.
Other family survivors include Debbie's mother, Marie Bond, of Grand Junction; her father, Charles Hunter, of Montrose; two sisters: Pattie and husband Gary Sims and their two daughters, of Grand Junction; Donna CoRona and her two daughters, of Montrose; two brothers: Gordon Bond and wife Brenda and their children, of Grand Junction; Scott Hunter and wife Debra and their children, of Montrose; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a multitude of dear friends.
A viewing and a Memorial Service in loving remembrance and to honor Debbie's life will be officiated on Monday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Church of the Open Door at Rifle.
Funeral Services to pay respects to Debbie's life will be officiated on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Open Door at Rifle.
Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 3 p.m. in the Grand View Cemetery
west of Montrose.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Rifle Funeral Home of Rifle, (970) 625-1234.
Melvern Renfrow
Businessman, Prestigious Civic Leader
July 29, 1917 Dec. 29, 1999
DELTA - The Delta community mourns the loss of Melvern "Mel" Renfrow, age 82, the owner and operator of Garrett Mercantile, a very prestigious Delta civic leader, and a resident of Delta for 63 years, who died on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999, in the Delta County Memorial Hospital.
Melvern Renfrow was born in Woodward, Okla. on July 29, 1917, the son of Peter C. and Lurline Amanda (Berry) Renfrow. He spent his childhood in Woodward and Balko, Okla., graduating from high school at Balko in 1935.
Mel married Jacqueline R. Meyn on June 22, 1947, in DeBeque, Colo. Mel and Jacqueline lovingly welcomed one daughter born to their union. The Renfrows were privileged to share 52 years of marriage last year in June.
Mel was the business owner and operator of Garrett Mercantile in Delta, a dry goods and clothing store, for 40 years.
He gave freely of himself to the Delta community. He was a past president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. Mel was a member of the Kiwanis for 55 years and a past president, a past Lt. Governor of the Rocky Mountain District Kiwanis and a Legion of Honor Member. He was a member of the Colorado Game & Fish Commission for six years and a past president; a 28-year member of the Tri-County Water Board and a past president; and a lifetime member of Delta Elks Lodge No. 1235.
Ted was a founder of the Delta Trap Club, a member of Ducks Unlimited, and a Cottonwood Golf Club charter member. He was a member and served as president of the Site Selection Committee, was an auctioneer, and served as Master of Ceremonies for many of the above mentioned activities. He served on the Site Committee for the Cottonwood Golf Course, the Delta Trap Club, and the Delta Correctional Facility. He was a spokesperson for numerous projects in the Delta community including having the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies at the Ridgway Dam Dedication in August of 1987.
Ted's special interests that added meaning and much pleasure to his life were gardening, fishing, wood working, and carving. He made hundreds of canes, walking sticks, and barnwood picture frames.
There are not enough lines or words to describe or adequately merit the contributions that Mel Renfrow unselfishly gave to the Delta community. His memory will be cherished by all those who were touched by his life in so many ways.
Survivors very grateful to have shared Mel's life are his wife, Jacqueline Renfrow, of Delta; and one daughter, Rena Ann Hoefling, of Portland, Ore.
Other family survivors include one brother, Ralph "Rusty" Renfrow, of Bonham, Texas; and one sister, Wilma Jean Trigg, of Gardner, Kan.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Lewis A. Renfrow and Edwin Renfrow; and one sister, Evelyn Jackson.
Memorial Services in loving remembrance and to honor Mel's life will be officiated by Clifford Jackson on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 1 p.m. in the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel at Delta. The service will conclude at the chapel.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Taylor Funeral Service, Inc. of Delta.
Philip Schlauger
World War II Vet, Farmer
April 29, 1915 Dec. 30, 1999
MONTROSE - Philip Schlauger, known to most as Phil, a retired Montrose farmer, died early Thursday morning, Dec. 30, 1999, in his home at Montrose at the age of 84.
Philip Schlauger was born in Baynard, Neb. on April 29, 1915, the son of Henry and Katherine (Kniss) Schlauger, both immigrants from Germany to Russia and then on to America.
A native of Nebraska, Phil and his parents lived at one time in the California Mesa community. He grew up in a large home consisting of his parents, nine boys and two girls. There he gained his strong will in hard work, and loyalty to his family through love. He also attended school in Nebraska and Olathe.
Phil served his country for four years in the United States Army during World War II. The greater part of this time was spent in the European Theater.
Phil married Goldie M. Clubb from Montrose on Jan. 27, 1952. The couple's first home together was on a ranch in the Colona community, where Phil was engaged in ranching and stock raising. Later he moved his family to Grand Junction to farm with his twin brother, Jake. In 1958, the Schlaugers returned to Montrose where Phil bought his farm on Spring Creek Mesa.
Phil enjoyed farming and took pleasure in helping the younger farmers in the area learn how to grow sugar beets. He took top state honors for his sugar beet crop in 1973 and 1975. He was a pioneer by bringing new types of farming equipment to the Montrose area as well as test growing new crops. He was a perfectionist in all he did.
In 1976, Phil retired from the farm and moved to his home in town. He continued with his growing talents by raising a large garden and sharing all of his vegetables with his neighbors. He loved the outdoors along with fishing and gardening.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, Phil spent his days helping his daughter, Sandy, at her business, Bob's Rental, doing equipment deliveries and helping where needed. Over the past five years, Phil's main occupation was handling all the mail and bank deposits for the business. He had a special rapport with the bank tellers who watched for him and enjoyed his sense of humor.
Phil was known to always help anyone who needed a hand. He had a big heart and did not have "NO" in his vocabulary. The greatest joy in Phil's life was his family. He was a wonderful husband to his wife Goldie for almost 48 years. His daughters were the "sons" he needed to help him farm. They grew up working side by side with him in the fields being taught all the great things their father had to offer, which were many. His grandchildren were a true joy and a source of pride with him. He took time to build a special relationship with each one of them.
Phil spent his life being the best he could be as a friend, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He left a mark on those who came to know him and he knew no strangers. He will be greatly missed but remembered and always cherished for the man he was and all the lives he touched.
Survivors very grateful to shave shared Phil's life are his wife, Goldie Schlauger; two daughters: Sandy Corder and Alice Carpenter, all of Montrose; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include two brothers: Walter Schlauger, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Robert Schlauger, of Grand Junction; and one sister, Lydia Eisenach, of Grand Junction.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and one sister.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Phil's life were officiated by his nephew, Pastor Robert L. Schaluger, on Monday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church at Montrose.
Interment followed the service in the Valley Lawns Cemetery
south of Montrose, with arrangements handled under the arrangements of the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of Phil Schlauger, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402-1804.
Rose Asusan Sisneros
Homemaker, Mother, Grandmother
Feb. 7, 1942 Dec. 31, 1999
DELTA - Rose Asusan Sisneros, a homemaker and resident of Delta, died on Friday, Dec. 31, 1999, in the Delta County Memorial Hospital.
Rose Asusan Maestas was born in Conejos, N.M. on Feb. 7, 1942, the daughter of Eduardo and Maria Maestas.
Survivors very grateful to have shared Rose's life are her companion, Julio Rodriguez, of Delta; four sons: Cliff Lucero, of Palisade; Pete Rodriguez and Patrick Rodriguez, both of Delta; Victor Rodriguez, of Canon City; two daughters: Agnes Loya, also of Canon City; and Patricia Jones, of Platteville.
Rose was the proud and loving grandmother of three grandchildren, and the great-grandmother of two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers: Russell Maestas and Louie Maestas.
Graveside Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Rose's life will be officiated by The Rev. Mark Bettinger on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. in the Delta City Cemetery.
At Rose's request: No flowers please.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service, Inc.
Vernon Leland Grinager
Retired USMC Major
Sept. 29, 1934 Dec. 17, 1999
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Retired USMC Major Vernon L. Grinager, age 65, a Korean Conflict veteran, Vietnam veteran, and a former Montrose resident, died on Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, in Bakersfield, Calif.
Vernon Leland Grinager, the son of Helmer and Vivian Grinager, was born on Sept. 29, 1934 in Milan, Minn. He was confirmed at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan and graduated from the Milan High School in 1953.
Vernon enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953, and was selected for the rank of Warrant Officer in 1960. In 1965, Warrant Officer Grinager was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He retired as a Major from active duty in the United States Marine Corps in July of 1976, after a career that covered 23 years of service for his country.
His duty stations included service in the Korean Conflict, state department duty in Saigon, Vietnam and Kaulampar, Malaysia; and the United Nations in South Korea. Retired Major Grinager also served as the Officer in Charge of the Marine Detachment with the Air Force at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver.
Honors bestowed upon Retired Major Grinager were: National Defense Service Medal, with one Star; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Navy Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal, with one Star; Bronze Star Medal with a "V"; Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, with a Palm and Frame; Vietnam Service Medal, with five Stars; Joint Service Commendation Medal, with one Star; and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Survivors very grateful to have shared Retired Major Grinager's life are one daughter, Valerie L. Hayes and her children: Brenna and Jared Hayes, of Bakersfield, Calif.; his son-in-law, GySgt. Paul Hayes, of Santa Ana, Calif.; one son, Jeffrey M. Grinager and wife Susan and their children: Ryan and Sarah, all of Atscadero, Calif.
Other family survivors include his parents, Helmer and Vivian Grinager, of Dawson, Minn.; and two sisters: Darlene and husband Leroy Bergerson, of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; and their children: Lynn, Dean, Lori, and Dan; and Marlys and husband Bob Ims and their children: Cory, Tony, and Brandon.
Retired Major Grinager was a man of principles and honor. He will be so deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Memorial Services in loving remembrance and to honor Retired Major Grinager's life were officiated on Monday, Dec. 27, in the Grace Lutheran Church at Dawson, Minn. The service concluded at the church.
Graveside Military Services to pay respects to Retired Major Grinager were conducted on Tuesday, Dec. 28, in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Andrew Sherman Zieve
Devoted Family Man
Nov. 24, 1949 Jan. 3, 2000
TELLURIDE - Andrew Sherman Zieve, age 50, an attorney and a resident of Telluride for three years, died of cancer Monday morning, Jan. 3, 2000, in the Montrose Memorial Hospital at Montrose.
Andrew Sherman Zieve, the son of Edward and Charlotte (Cantor) Zieve, was born on Nov. 24, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wis., where he spent his childhood, graduated from Nicolet High School, and grew to adulthood. He continued to pursue his education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., earning a Bachelor of Arts and Law degrees.
Andrew married Christine Neuy and they lovingly welcomed one son born to their union.
He worked as an attorney, with a law practice in Milwaukee, Wis.
Andrew was a devoted family man, an avid skier and outdoorsman, and he loved to travel.
Survivors left to cherish his memory are his wife, Christine Zieve; and his 9-year-old son, Joshua Zieve, of the family home at Telluride.
Other family survivors include his parents, Edward and Charlotte Zieve, of Elkhart Lake, Wis.; two brothers: Peter Zieve, of Seattle, Wash.; Gary Zieve, of Northport, N.Y.; and two sisters: Kathie, of Sheboygan Falls, Wis.; and Wendy, of Seattle, Wash.
Andrew was preceded in death by one brother, Clifford Zieve, who died in 1976.
Memorial Services in loving remembrance and to honor Andrew's life will be officiated on Thursday, Jan. 6, in Milwaukee, Wis.
Cremation has taken place, with arrangements being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Telluride Medical Clinic, In Memory of Andrew Zieve, 500 W. Pacific, Telluride, CO 81435 or to a cancer charity of the donor's choice.
Fredrick Bernard "Bernie" Witler III
Center of His Life Family
Oct. 29, 1917 Dec. 31, 1999
MONTROSE - Former Montrose resident, Fredrick Bernard Wilter III, known as "Bernie," age 82, a World War II veteran, a Burlington Northern Railroad retiree, and a resident of Montrose for 10 years before moving to Loveland in the summer of 1999, died on Friday, Dec. 31, 1999, in the McKee Medical Center at Loveland.
Memorial Services in remembrance and to pay respect to Bernie's life will be officiated by The Rev. Steven K. Warren on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. in the United Methodist Church at Montrose, with a reception to follow in Baldridge Hall. The service will conclude at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions, in memory of Fredrick Bernard Witler III, may be made to: World War II Memorial in Littleton, the United Methodist Church of Montrose, or Habitat for Humanity in Montrose.
Bernie was very active throughout his lifetime and held memberships in the American Legion, the United Methodist Church, the Montrose Historical Society, the Chipeta Chapter of the Colorado Archeological Society of Montrose, the Lions Club, the 500 mile Walkers Club (a founding member), the Montrose Newcomer's Club, the Barbershop Chorus, and the Democratic Party.
Survivors left to cherish Bernie's memory are his wife of 56 years, Carroll Griffiths Witler, of Loveland; one son, Jim Witler and family, of Minturn; one daughter, Patty Anderson and family, of Berthoud; and three grandchildren: Lisa Anderson, Jason Anderson, and Tessa Witler.
Heidi L. Snarr
Daughter, Wife, Mother
Sept. 2, 1959 Jan. 4, 2000
FORT COLLINS - Former Montrose resident, Heidi L. Snarr, age 40, a resident of Fort Collins since 1982, died on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000, in the Poudre Valley Hospital at Fort Collins.
Heidi L. Alley, the daughter of Tom and Patsy "Martin" Alley, was born on Sept. 2, 1959 in Montrose, Colo., where she spent her childhood, graduated from Montrose High School, and grew to adulthood.
Heidi moved from Montrose to Fort Collins in 1982, where she was self-employed in her cleaning service, and made her home until the time of her death.
She married Bill Snarr on Dec. 12, 1998 in Fort Collins. Heidi and Bill shared a little over one year of loving marriage.
She attended the Life Center Foursquare Church and especially loved and enjoyed playing the piano, drawing, and sewing.
Survivors left to cherish Heidi's memory are her husband, Bill Snarr; and one daughter, Jessica Snarr, both of Fort Collins.
Other family survivors include her father, Tom Alley, of Montrose; and two brothers: Tim Alley, of Arvada; and Brian Alley, of Greeley.
Heidi was preceded in death by her mother, Patsy "Martin" Alley.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 7, from noon to 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at the Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., in Fort Collins.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor Heidi's life will be officiated by Pastor Les Brittingham on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 1 p.m. in the Bohlender Funeral Chapel at Fort Collins. The service will conclude at the chapel.
Graveside Services will be officiated on Monday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. in the Grand View Cemetery
west of Montrose.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Bohlender Funeral Chapel of Fort Collins and the Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Children's Hospital, In Memory of Heidi L. Snarr, c/o Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.
