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Mike Lucero
World War II Veteran
June 5, 1921 - May 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Mike Lucero, age 79, a well respected Montrose resident for 45 years, died of cancer Tuesday, May 15, 2001, at his home surrounded by his family.
Mike Lucero, the son of Guadelupe Lucero and Elena (Ledesma) Lucero, was born on June 5, 1921, in Cuba, N.M., where he spent his childhood years, received his education, and grew to adulthood.
During World War II, Mike proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
On Jan. 9, 1946, Mike married his sweetheart, best friend, and the love of his life, Alice Marie Montoya, at Cuba, N.M. Their union was blessed with 12 children and they had the joy and privilege of celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary this year on Jan. 9.
Mike and Alice raised their family in Montrose while Mike worked in construction at Silver Jack, Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, Crystal, and Ridgway. He also farmed and raised sheep on Spring Creek Mesa near Montrose.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Montrose, the American Legion, and Knights of Columbus.
Mike was a very generous, gentle man, who had such a caring heart. He will be lovingly remembered as a quiet man who had a smile you could not forget. He was well respected in his community and had many friends who were all welcome into his home. Mike especially enjoyed and found happiness in the outdoors, raising his sheep, and farming. He made the world "special" just by being in it and and leaves behind numerous memories for those who loved him to cherish. Mike will be deeply missed.
Surviving family members very grateful to share Mike's life include his beloved wife, Alice Marie Lucero, of Montrose; 11 children: Rudy Lucero and wife Judi, of Delta; JoAnn and husband Johnny Vigil, of Riverton, Utah; Dorothy and husband Larry Olsen, of Layton, Utah; Joyce and husband Gilbert Torres, of Spokane, Wash.; Bob Lucero and wife Gail, of Denver; Gary Lucero, of Bountiful, Utah; Pauline and husband David Simon, of Mountain Green, Utah; Charlene and husband Andrew Roybal; Darlene and husband Jeff Roybal, all of Montrose; Leila and husband Fermin Rodriguez, of San Antonio, Texas; and Jimmy Lucero, of Montrose.
Mike was the very proud grandfather of 28 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include two brothers: Alfred Lucero, of Delta; Felix Lucero, of Grants, N.M.; and two sisters: Eleanor and husband Francisco Montanez; and Margaret and husband Toby Garcia, all of Grants, N.M.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents; one daughter, Marlene Rosalyn Lucero, who died in 1981; one grandson, Eric DeVincentis; two brothers: Andy Lucero and Rubel Lucero; and one sister, Clara Lucero.
Vigil for the deceased will be recited Friday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Montrose.
Funeral Mass in loving remembrance and to honor and celebrate Mike's life will be officiated by Msgr. Dan Huber on Saturday, May 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Rite of Committal will follow the Mass in the Grand View Cemetery, west of Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mary's Catholic Church Building Fund, In Memory of Mike Lucero, P.O. Box 638, Montrose, CO 81402.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Montrose Valley Funeral Home; (970) 249-4400.
James L. 'Jim' Bandmann
Loved to Sing
June 8, 1946 - May 19, 2001
THERMOPOLIS, Wyo. - Former Montrose resident, James L. "Jim" Bandmann, age 54, died Saturday, May 19, 2001, at his home in Thermopolis, Wyo.
James Lauani Bandmann, the son of John F. and Christina K. Bandmann, was born on June 8, 1946, in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii. He graduated from Kauai High School in 1964 and then enlisted into the United States Army where he served in Germany. When Jim was released from the military, he went back to Kauai where he worked for Kauai Electric Company. During his off time he loved to sing and entertain at the Castaway's Hotel.
On May 24, 1969, Jim married the love of his life, Florence LaLauna Johnson, in Fern Grotto, Hawaii. They moved to the mainland and settled in Roosevelt, Utah, in 1971 where Jim worked for Moon Lake Electric. He then went to work for the U.S. Government in the Department of Energy, which took the Bandmann family to Colorado, Arizona, Washington, and finally back to Colorado where they settled in Montrose for 10 years. In March of 2000, they relocated to Thermopolis, Wyo., where Jim was employed as a lineman supervisor for the Department of Energy until the time of his death.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he recently spent time with the youth as the Young Men's President. He also held multiple other leadership positions within the church.
Jim's passions in life that brought him so much joy and happiness were hunting, fishing, and he loved to sing.
Surviving family members who were deeply blessed to share Jim's life include his beloved wife, LaLauna Bandmann, of Thermopolis, Wyo.; three sons: Keola Bandmann and wife Valerie; Kimo Bandmann; Darren Bandmann and wife Brittany, all of Orem, Utah; four daughters: Cajsa and husband John Wallwork, of Shelton, Washington; Maile Bandmann, of Laie, Oahu, Hawaii; Shara Bandman and Nezhone Bandmann, both of Denver; and six precious grandchildren.
Other family survivors include one brother, John W. Bandmann, of Lawai, Kauai, Hawaii.
Jim was preceded in death by both of his parents and one brother, Charles.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor and say farewell to Jim will be officiated by Bishop Paul Galovich on Wednesday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Thermopolis, Wyo. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Relief Society room at the church.
Interment will be held on Friday, May 25, at 11 a.m. in the Veterans Memorial State Park at Lehi, Utah.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Missionary Fund, In Memory of Jim Bandmann, c/o Thermopolis Ward, 660 E. Sunnyside Lane, Thermopolis, WY 82443.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Bryant Funeral Home, 1320 Big Horn Ave., P.O. Box 524, Worland, WY 82401; (307) 347-9890.
Farris N. Bruce
Loves in Life: Farm, Family
Aug. 9, 1927 - May 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Lifetime Montrose resident, Farris N. Bruce, age 73, died Tuesday morning, May 15, 2001, at his home in Montrose.
Farris N. Bruce, the son of George Bruce and Helen (Vezina) Bruce, was born on Aug. 9, 1927, in Montrose, Colo., where he spent his childhood years, was a proud graduate of Montrose County High School, and grew to adulthood.
Prior to his retirement, Farris was the owner and operator of a bulk plant.
He was a lifetime member of Montrose Elks Lodge No. 1053.
His special interests and the loves of his life were his farm and his family.
Surviving family members very grateful to share Farris' life include his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Other family survivors include two brothers: Dale Bruce and Louie Bruce; and one sister, Altha Henshaw.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents; two brothers: Owen and Truman Bruce; and one sister, Tony Walker.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance of Farris' life will be officiated by Montrose Elks Lodge members on Friday, May 18, at 10 a.m. at Montrose Elks Lodge No. 1053.
Interment will follow the service in the Grand View Cemetery
west of Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, In Memory of Farris N. Bruce, c/o Lucille Masden, 715 N. 4th St., Montrose, CO 81401.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home/Crematory & Grand View Cemetery
of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Phyllis H. Mason
Beautiful Homemaker, Wife, Mother
Jan. 13, 1906 - May 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Phyllis H. Mason, age 95, of Montrose, died Tuesday morning, May 15, 2001, in the Valley Manor Care Center at Montrose after being in failing health for some time.
Phyllis H. Harrington was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Jan. 13, 1906, the daughter of Everett J. Harrington and Louise (Colwell) Harrington. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to the Boston, Mass. area where she lived until her marriage. Phyllis graduated from Miss Allen's School in Newton Center, Mass., and the Windsor School in Boston, Mass.
In 1929, Phyllis married the love of her life, Arnold Dale Kerfoot Mason who came from a prominent pioneer family in Chicago, Ill., and went to live in Winnetka, Ill. Phyllis and Arnold were the parents of two children.
In 1959, the Masons moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where Arnold, a regional vice president of Marshall Field & Company, oversaw the development of the Marshall Field store in Wauwatosa, Wis.
Phyllis and Arnold had the joy and privilege of sharing 53 years of marriage before Arnold's death in December of 1982.
Phyllis continued to live in the Milwaukee, Wis. area after her husband's death until 1990 when she moved to Montrose to be close to family. She remained in Montrose until the time of her death.
She was a member of the Green Tree Garden Club (U.S.A.), the Children's Hospital Board, and the Chicago Symphony Board in Milwaukee, Wis.
Phyllis was passionately involved in the arts and her wildflower garden and was a beautiful homemaker, wife, and mother.
Surviving family members left to cherish Phyllis' memory include one son, Harrington Kerfoot Mason, of Des Moines, Iowa; one daughter, Phyllis Mason Nutting, of Loghill Village at Ridgway, and more recently of Montrose; four precious grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Graveside Services in loving memory and to honor Phyllis' life will be officiated on Monday, May 21, at 11 a.m. in the Forest Home Cemetery
at Milwaukee, Wis., with interment following the service.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests memorial contributions may be made to: Valley Manor Care Center Chapel Fund, In Memory of Phyllis H. Mason, 1401 S. Cascade Ave., Montrose, CO 81401.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home/Crematory & Grand View Cemetery
of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
Carol Hessler-Bailey
Oct. 27, 1953 - May 15, 2001
MONTROSE - Carol Hessler-Bailey, age 47, of Montrose, went to her eternal reward in heaven.
She was the daughter of Leroy Hessler and Wilma (Bruntz) Hessler. Carol was born Oct. 27, 1953, in Scottsbluff, Neb., and grew up in towns in New Mexico, South Dakota, and Arizona. In 1969, her family moved to Casper, Wyo., where she lived until 1998.
In November of 1972, she married Bill Marburger. They had one son, Rusty, in 1976. The marriage ended in divorce in 1983. Carol's greatest joy was raising her son, going to many soccer games, and helping him become an Eagle Scout, while members at the First Christian Church in Casper. Rusty went into the Air Force in May of 1997 and is now at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs.
May of 1998, Carol married Thomas Bailey in Casper. They moved to Montrose, Colo., in June 1998. Here they enjoyed the beautiful outdoors together. Carol worked at S. Townsend Art Gallery from July 1998 through February 2001. She met many wonderful people in Montrose. Carol's struggle with cancer the last couple years, taught her great strength in God.
Surviving family members include her husband, Thomas Bailey, of Montrose; her son, Rusty Hessler, of Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs; her parents, LeRoy and Wilma Hessler, of Deming, N.M.; brother, Alvin Hessler, of Deming, N.M.; sister, Nacina Berry, of Los Vegas, Nev.; nephew, James Enlow, of Las Vegas, Nev.; niece, Zona Watson and her daughters, of Ft. Hood, Texas; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
- Written by Carol Hessler-Bailey
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to say farewell to Carol will be officiated by Ron Howard, of the Olathe Church of Christ, on Thursday, May 17, at 6 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 515 S. Hillcrest Dr., in Montrose. Visitation and fellowship will follow the service until 8 p.m.
Graveside Committal Services will be conducted Friday, May 18, at 9:30 a.m. in the Grand View Cemetery
west of Montrose.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of the Uncompahgre Valley, In Memory of Carol Bailey, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402-1804.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home/Crematory & Grand View Cemetery
of Montrose, (970) 249-2121.
Christopher Paul Wasinger
Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle
Aug. 1, 1969 - May 13, 2001
GRAND JUNCTION - Christopher Paul Wasinger, age 31, of Grand Junction, died on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2001, at Family Health West in Fruita.
Christopher Paul Wasinger, the son of Leonard A. Wasinger and Joan M. (Fief) Wasinger, was born on Aug. 1, 1969, at Garden City, Kan. He spent his childhood years and attended schools in Kansas. Christopher moved to Colorado in 2000 where he remained until the time of his death.
He loved spending time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed music and water activities.
Surviving family members very grateful to share Christopher's life include his mother, Joan Wasinger, of Grand Junction; two brothers: Kurt Wasinger, of Colorado; Rev. Shane Wasinger, of Minneapolis, Minn.; and two sisters: Kyra and husband Larry Fief, of Garden City, Kan.; and Lori and husband Ted Betz, of Montrose.
Christopher was the proud uncle of six nephews: Erron, Evan, Russell, Tyler, Jacob, and Keenan.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction, followed by a Mass beginning at 6 p.m. Cremation will take place after the Mass.
Memorial Services in loving remembrance and to say farewell to Christopher will be officiated on Saturday, May 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Scott City, Kan., with inurnment following the service.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary of Grand Junction; (970) 243-2450.
Winifred G. Distel
Loved Dancing
April 14, 1915 - May 12, 2001
OLATHE - Winifred G. Distel, age 86, a longtime Olathe resident, died Saturday evening, May 12, 2001, in the Colorow Care Center at Olathe.
Winifred G. Daniels, the daughter of Delwyn H. Daniels and Maude (Denny) Daniels, was born on April 14, 1915, in Pierre, S.D. She spent her early childhood years in Blount, S.D., and as a young girl moved with her family to Grand Junction where she was a proud graduate of Grand Junction High School and grew to adulthood.
On Feb. 5, 1955, Winifred was joined in marriage, for a lifetime partnership, with George Distel in St. Mary's Catholic Church at Montrose, Colo. After their marriage, Winifred and George established their home in Olathe where they resided until the time of Winifred's death. They were the parents of four children, and had the joy and privilege of celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary this year in February.
In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Winifred was employed with City Market for many years until her retirement.
She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church of Olathe and St. Mary's Catholic Church of Montrose. She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary of Olathe, the Altar and Rosary Society of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church of Olathe, as well as the Cowbells and Eastern Star both of Montrose.
Winifred greatly enjoyed fishing at Blue Mesa and was a wonderful cook. Her husband and family will always cherish their memories of her great love for dancing.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Winifred's life include her beloved husband, George Distel, of Olathe; four children: Bert Cannell and wife Arnola; Dorna Lee Bashor, all of California; Darwin Cannell and wife Judy, of Montrose; Dorthea Tolkmidt, of California; and five precious grandchildren.
Other family survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, and several aunts.
Winifred was preceded in death by both of her parents; her twin sister, Frances Eckman; an older sister, Virginia Adams; and two grandsons: Ricky Martinez and Richard Dean Cannell.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel, with Rosary following visitation at 7 p.m. at the chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Daniel Huber on Friday, May 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Montrose.
Rite of Committal will follow the Mass in Cedar Cemetery
at Montrose, with arrangements being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home/Crematory & Grand View Cemetery
of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
John Scott Williams
Beloved Husband and Father
April 1, 1971 - May 11, 2001
GRAND JUNCTION - Former Delta resident, John Scott Williams, age 30, a resident of Grand Junction for six months, died Friday, May 11, 2001, at Olathe.
John Scott Williams, the son of John A. Williams and Dana (Owens) Williams, was born on April 1, 1971, in Lakewood, Colo. John spent his childhood years in Montrose, where he graduated from Montrose High School in 1989 and grew to adulthood. He continued to pursue his education at Adams State College in Alamosa.
On Jan. 5, 1991, he was joined in marriage with Rachel Bell at Montrose, Colo.
John proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1992 to 1996.
The Williams family lived in Delta for four years prior to moving to Grand Junction six months ago, where John made his home until the time of his death.
He was employed as a branch manager at U.S. Building Supply in Grand Junction.
John was a member of the Grace Community Church of Montrose.
Among the many loves in John's life that brought him happiness and joy included his four children, soccer, the Denver Broncos, being a church youth group leader, and sports. John will be deeply missed.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share John's life include his wife, Rachel Williams; two sons: Jordon Williams and Logan Williams; and two daughters: Adriene Williams and Kailyn Williams, all of Grand Junction.
Other family survivors include his parents: John and Mary Williams, of Aurora; Floyd and Dana Wagner, of Branson, Mo.; one sister, Shannon and husband Wayne Norris, of Montrose; and grandparents: Peggy Owens; and Laverne and Marjorie Williams, all of Olathe.
Visitation for family and friends is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta.
Funeral Services in loving remembrance and to honor and say farewell to John will be officiated by Rev. Bryan Yeager on Wednesday, May 16, at 10 a.m. at the Grace Community Church in Montrose.
Interment will follow the service in the Grand View Cemetery
west of Montrose.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Grace Community Church, In Memory of John S. Williams, 16731 Woodgate Rd., Montrose, CO 81401.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of Taylor Funeral Service & Crematory of Delta; (970) 874-9988.
Eudean Duane 'Dean' Wissel
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather
April 10, 1931 - May 13, 2001
MONTROSE - Eudean Duane "Dean" Wissel, a resident of the Montrose area since he was 6 years old, died unexpectedly of heart failure on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2001, in St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction at the age of 70.
Eudean Duane Wissel was born on April 10, 1931, the son of Loyd and Alice (Hedden) Wissel in McCook, Neb. When he was 6 years old, he moved with his family to Montrose, Colo. Dean was a proud member of the graduating class of 1950 at Montrose County High School.
On Dec. 3, 1950, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Verna Jean Gailey. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year surrounded by their family and friends.
Dean was a farmer at Coal Creek and Spring Creek. He and his wife also owned Lathrop Service Center where they repaired lawn mowers and large appliances. Later he worked at the Montrose County Airport for five years before he retired. Dean and Verna spent their winters in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., after their retirement.
Dean was a private pilot for 43 years. He loved to spend time at the airports, talking to fellow pilots and "walking the line."
He was a mechanic and could fix anything. One of his many hobbies included rebuilding old planes.
Dean loved people and people loved him. He was a very generous, gentle, and caring man. One reason he enjoyed owning Lathrop Service Center was to help people.
He was a former member of Montrose Elks Lodge No. 1053, Odd Fellows, Civil Air Patrol, and the Experimental Aircraft Assn. of Lake Havasu.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Dean's life include his wife, Verna Jean Wissel, of Montrose; three daughters: Kathleen and husband Dick Margetts, of Montrose; Jeanette and husband Randy Schielke; Tammy and husband Brad Spelts, all of Grand Junction; and one son, Randy Wissel anad wife Janet, of Granbury, Texas.
Dean was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Dustin and Misty Hayward; Ken and Sheila Margetts; Michael and Scott Wissel; Danielle, Landen and Morgan Spelts; and one great-grandson, Ocean Grohman.
Other family survivors include three brothers: Eugene Wissel and wife Bonnie; Kenneth Wissel and wife Darlene; Dareld Wissel and wife Irene; and two sisters: Iola and husband Bill Eckert; and Geraldene Case.
Dean was preceded in death by his father and mother, one nephew, and one great-nephew.
Public visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Services and a celebration of Dean's life will be officiated on Thursday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church (on Niagara) in Montrose.
Interment will follow the service in the Olathe Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Rose Hill Hospitality House in Grand Junction, In Memory of Dean Wissel, 605 26-1/2 Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Crippin Funeral Home/Crematory & Grand View Cemetery
of Montrose; (970) 249-2121.
