Class of 1967 - Wheat Ridge High School

Terry Lynn West (Anderson)

Birth Date: 1949-03-02

Deceased Date: 2021-09-03

Obituary:

There are currently no tributes.

Michael Bell

Deceased Date: 2006-01-20

Obituary:
- - January 20th, 2006
My Dad Mike passed away on 1-20-2006. He had struggled with diabetes since 1976 and had a kidney transplant in 1999. My Mom Beverly (Boyce) and Dad had two daughters, me Kelli in 1969 and Kerri in 1973. They raised us in Arvada CO and we are all still in the area.

My Dad loved life and his grandkids were the center. He was so proud of us and all we accomplished. He is dearly missed and always will be.

He loved playing golf and watching any sport he could.

Dad was partial owner of "Utility Factfinders" from 1981 until 1999. It was a company that audited large company's utility bills. He was working at Arvada West High School as a Special-Needs teacher at the time of his death.

He always talked about playing football at Wheat Ridge High School and all the friends he had. It was a great time in his life and he cherished many of you.

There are currently no tributes.

Tim Branstetter

Birth Date: 1948-12-19

Deceased Date: 2023-07-13

Obituary:
Tim Branstetter passed away with grace on July 13th at 5:15pm at the age of 74. He was a larger than life man with a boisterous laugh and a positive attitude. He always brightened up a room with his wit and heroic attitude.

Tim was born in Nebraska and at a very early age his parents Ralph and June moved to Colorado. It was there that his love for the outdoors and skiing began. After years of working the slopes, and odd carpentry jobs in the off season, he found his way to Vermont. It was on this trip when Tim fell in love with the Green Mountains. Tim signed up for the US Coast Guard where he met Dwight Porter (Porter Music Boxes) and found himself visiting central Vermont more and more frequently. He served in the Coast Guard for several years and eventually settled in Bethel, Vermont. Tim built his house with his own hands, on Christian Hill road, worked at Bethel Mills Lumber for 30 years, and in his free time built sets and props for Chandler Music Hall, all while raising four children and a stepson. Tim was instrumental in Chandler's renovation and was very active in his community.

He was a Rotary Club member, wrote for the Herald newspaper, was a school board member, and was always looking for ways to improve his community. He was also an avid golfer, fine woodworker, and a very good storyteller. You may have seen him dressed as Santa Claus riding around on top of a fire truck handing out gifts to the children of Bethel. He met the love of his life, Beau Benson, and moved to Sharon where they designed and built a dream house with a pond. The 20 years he and Beau spent in Sharon was full of love, cookouts, pond days, and time spent with their children and five grandchildren. He even built a 50-ft water slide for all the children (and inner children) to enjoy. Beau and Tim recently left the Green Mountains and moved to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina where they enjoyed the ocean, seafood, and fishing in a handmade 16-ft skiff that Tim proudly built.

Tim is survived by his wife Beau Benson; his children Courtney Bowen, Joshua Branstetter, Kate Branstetter, Patrick Branstetter, and Sam Benson;
his grandchildren Wilder Bowen, Henson Murdough, Sawyer, Levi, and Rowen Benson; and his sisters, Chris Higbee and Jane Watrous.

Tim would want anyone reading this to go outside, make a friend, make something with their hands, call a loved one, and tell a story to those who are willing to listen.

He will be missed greatly.

There are currently no tributes.

Daniel Carpenter

Birth Date: 1949-08-05

Deceased Date: 2017-04-03

Obituary:
August 5th, 1949 - April 3rd, 2017
I spent 3rd, 4th and 5th grade at Mountain View Elementary School (which is no longer an elementary school and hasn’t been for decades) with Dan Carpenter (as did many of our classmates such as Charlie Brown, Corky Johnson, Tom Hart and others). Many others from that school ended up at Jefferson HS. -- Mark Loye

I was thinking about Danny recently now that the reunion is looming - I had a major crush on him in Junior High and he was my "boyfriend" for a period time - the kind of boyfriend where you were too scared to even talk to each other! Thanks for sharing all of this. -- Carol Eckland March

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After a courageous battle with cancer, Daniel Clay Carpenter died on April 3, 2017 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado at the age of 67. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 45 years, AnneMarie, daughters Lisa Carpenter and Sara Carpenter (Nicholas Davis), and granddog Beast.

A devoted husband and father, Dan's world revolved around Lisa and Sara from the time they were infants and into their adulthood. He was proud of their accomplishments in life, but prouder still of the intelligent and loving young women they became. In them, Dan will continue to be with us.

Dan was born on August 5, 1949 in Denver, Colorado, to William and Blanche Carpenter, who predeceased him. Dan was also predeceased by older brother William Carpenter, Jr. He is survived by younger brother Steven Carpenter (Patti). He leaves behind numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, their children, and many longtime friends.

Dan's greatest joy in life was his family and friends. Every year, he and AnneMarie hosted a Christmas open house that was attended by dozens of family and friends and often ended in a rousing evening of the dice game "Left, Right, Center," which Dan won for the first and only time in 2014. Dan was also known for his legendary Fourth of July parties, which involved an annual trip to Wyoming to obtain the best fireworks available to individual enthusiasts, and lasted until the local police caught on to the festivities.

A proud University of Colorado at Denver alumnus, Dan enjoyed a long and successful career as an accountant, retiring several years ago as Chief Financial Officer of Capitol Life Insurance Company. He spent his adult life in Arvada, Colorado, which he affectionately referred to as "God's Country." He took great pride in maintaining his lawn and tending to his rose bushes and other flowers.

Dan was a lifelong golfer with a standing golf game every Sunday with Heebie and friends, rain or shine (or wind or snow or freezing temperatures). One story goes that Dan and Heebie were the only two golfers left on Willis Case Golf Course after it had begun to snow. Someone from the clubhouse was sent out to bring them in so the course could close and employees could go home. Dan was a member of the North Denver Golf Club and served as its treasurer for many years. After his diagnosis in October 2015, Dan kept up his golf game and continued his treasurer responsibilities for as long as he was physically able.

As a dedicated Buff Club Member and diehard fan of the University of Colorado Mighty Golden Buffaloes football team, Dan was a season ticket holder from 1972 to 2015. Prior to his diagnosis, he missed only three home games during this time. His devotion to CU inspired his daughters and several nieces and nephews to attend the college.

Dan loved dogs (especially Springer Spaniels) and was particularly fond of two dogs he had over his lifetime; Spook, when he was younger, and Rufus, as an adult.

Dan's life was celebrated in a Funeral Mass on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community Church, 7400 West 80th Avenue, in Arvada, Colorado 80003. In accordance with Dan's wishes, he was cremated and his ashes will be interred at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Arvada Food Bank. This obituary is courtesy of Horan&McConaty http://www.horancares.com/obituary.

There are currently no tributes.

Peggy Huston (Eaker)

Birth Date: 1949-08-16

Deceased Date: 2010-10-02

Obituary:
August 16, 1949 - October 2, 2010 Peggy Diane Eaker Huston died suddenly on Oct. 2, 2010. She is survived by her children Melissa, Priscilla and Casey, grandchildren Jordan and Kylie, father Theodore Eaker, sister Phyllis (Steve) and brothers Kenneth (Deb), Roy, Thomas (Sue), Robert (Betty), along with numerous nieces and nephews. Peggy Diane Eaker was born in Denver, Colorado on August 16, 1949. She was raised along with several brothers and a sister in a Christian home and taught the values of family, hard work and service. Peggy embraced those values her entire life. Peggy loved being with family and extended family, including numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, most all of whom lived in the Denver/WheatRidge area. Peg loved them all and was loved dearly by all of them. She embraced the gift of humor and carried it with her throughout her life. After high school, she attended Metropolitan State College and received a degree in both Mathematics and Education. However, Peggy put her knowledge, ambition and love of people to work in a different direction, food service! She ran a successful catering business, got married, and had three beautiful children. But that did not slow her down in her career endeavors! It was not long before Peggy began transitioning to real estate and property management. At the time she started, the market was considered to be down significantly. Others were getting out of the business, but Peggy reasoned that since she was new in it, the only way was up â€“ and away she went!!! She loved helping people as they moved through life. Peggy became and remained a trusted presence in the Thornton and North Metro communities. Success was due in large part because she cared more about getting a very good fit for her clients, rather than her own profit. People respected that, and many would call her years later when they were ready to move again! Peggy also served on several Home Owners Associations and Boards of Directors in the area as well. One of Peggy's favorite "hobbies" was thinking of meaningful and yet cleaver ways to communicate and advertise with the community. Often, her family was involved in distributing these "gifts" to the community! And, Peg was always the one to bring something fun to family holidays or get-togethers, drawing everyone in to participate in a fun, unusual activity. She could ignite sparks of fun and joy wherever she went. Peggy was dedicated to her children, Melissa, Priscilla and Casey. She took an active role in being a grandmother to Jordan and Kylie. Ted will miss his "Lawrence Welk buddy". Peggy gave freely and lovingly, never wanting anything in return. Peggy was a selfless woman of great integrity and humility who positively impacted those around her. Her gentleness and sense of humor endeared her to all she met. When she left us, she created a void that can never be filled. Our hearts ache with her absence, but we are grateful that she is not suffering, thankful that she is resting in peace.

Ann Morrison Michener - November 19th, 2015

I remember Peggy from our early years at Wilmore Davis Elementary. We were in Bluebirds together and had so many fun times doing all the activities with bluebirds and later camp fire girls. She was my neighbor and friend and always a kind person.

Rick Eskildson

Birth Date: 1948-12-30

Deceased Date: 2013-07-27

Obituary:
December 30th, 1948 - July 27th, 2013
Rick was one of a handful of close friends of mine from Jr. High into College. Rick was always the smartest and best student of our 'rat pack'. Post high school Rick spent 2 years at Mesa State then went on to graduate with honors from CSU in Marketing. Rick was an incredible athlete. At Wheat Ridge Junior High there was a 9th grade county wide athletic contest of which, to several of our friends recollection, Rick won. Rick excelled at hockey, and at WRHS was a varsity golfer, and as a Senior was district champion in wrestling at 154 lbs. Rick then went on to wrestle varsity at Mesa State College in Grand Junction. As often develops, our lives went different directions, and I never saw Rick again. He had long term health problems and died in a nursing home in Denver. Life is indeed short, and I miss the Rick I knew. -- Kent Ingram

There are currently no tributes.

Stan Frizzell

Birth Date: 1949-10-05

Deceased Date: 2014-05-03

Obituary:
October 5th, 1949 - May 3rd, 2014
We have learned that Stan Frizzell died Saturday, May 3, 2014. Several Boy Scout buddies were able to attend Stan's Celebration of Life.

A man known by so many names. Brother, husband, dad, papa and friend. Stan led a life of true philanthropy giving all he could to so many people. He helped friends in need of an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and solutions for almost any problem. Stan adopted more children than he could ever keep count of. A free spirit since birth, Stan tested and beat fate more times than any other man has done.
Born to Polly and Joe on a warm October day in 1949. He was named after the legendary Stan Musial and in time would build his own legend. He was a high spirited and somewhat mischievous child and teenager; his actions have filled many with memories, laughs and stories. He was the middle child, an awkward place for the only boy! He loved his sisters, Paula and Kathy, very much and they were daily parts of his life; he loved talking to each of them about any and everything. The years and distance never hindered their sibling bond. As an adult Stan started a new chapter in life as a father, and what a wonderful father he was. He loved all of his children dearly.
He was a gentle giant with an iron will and everyone that met him loved him. His passions ran deep. He loved his old cars, his Broncos, and his doggies --- but his family always came first. He was a walking encyclopedia. His memory of childhood events and his knowledge of history, sports, and general trivia were amazing. His heart was as big as his hugs and his sense of humor was always there (we will all remember the twinkle in his eyes). He loved us all and we will miss him immensely.

There are currently no tributes.

Nancy Beers (Ginn)

Birth Date: 1949-08-01

Deceased Date: 2014-11-04

Obituary:
http://www.allnutt.com/obituaries/Nancy-Beers/#!/Obituary
Obituary for Nancy Anne (Ginn) Beers
August 1, 1949 – November 4, 2014

Nancy Anne Beers was born August 1, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa to parents Dale and Georgiana Ginn.

Nancy was the middle child of five siblings – an older brother and sister, RD and Jan; as well as a younger brother and sister, Bill and Linda. Nancy loved to reminisce about their family vacations and the games they all would play together as a family. Summer meant mini-golf, catching frogs, and hopping from rock-to-rock in a creek. Time in the winter was spent ice skating and sledding near their childhood home.

The family moved to the Denver area in 1958 and Nancy graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1967. She attended Colorado State University, where she joined the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. At a social event for Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, she met the love of her life, Ted Beers. Nancy and Ted were married June 5th, 1971 and enjoyed a 43 year marriage. They loved to travel and explore, visiting Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and places around Colorado and the West. Nancy and Ted had many friends, and are often remembered for their New Year’s Eve parties. They always made sure people felt welcome, whether it was an old friend or someone new.

From a young age, Nancy was a creative and skilled crafter. She was active in 4-H and won numerous ribbons for both her cooking and sewing endeavors. Nancy would sew clothes for her and her sister’s dolls – and they enjoyed changing their dolls clothes to match the seasons and holidays. When her sister Linda got a much-coveted Cabbage Patch doll, Nancy promptly made a few outfits for her – even including a Broncos cheerleading outfit.

One of the things most people will tell you about Nancy is what a terrific seamstress she was. From making doll dresses as a child to creating wedding and bridesmaid dresses as a young woman, Nancy was a very talented tailor and added her special touch to many handmade gifts. Some of the creations she was known for include: embroidered kitchen towels for brides-to-be, handmade quilts, elaborate Christmas stockings, a back-pack for their dog Fritz, and a beautiful ski suit she once made for a customer.

In 1982, Nancy’s only child Matthew was born. Nancy was a fantastic mother – she doted on her son and fostered a warm and happy home that any child would be delighted to grow up in. Matt’s favorite memories of his mom include her showing him how to do things with her hands – whether it was tending to her garden, baking some treats, or sewing Matt a new costume. Christmastime was an absolute delight in the household. Nancy decorated the house extensively with artwork and her elaborate winter village. She baked holiday cookies and sweets, sewed many of her famous gingerbread men, created unique handmade gifts – and of course, shared all of it generously with their family and friends.

Nancy had a sharp mind. She enjoyed reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, dominoes, and was very organized. Nancy was active in Junior League for many years and was president of the Fort Collins chapter in 1998-1999. She was a devoted volunteer and even spent time in the library at Matt’s elementary school. She wasn’t afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty.

Nancy spent a lot of time the last several years at her and Ted’s cabin in the Poudre Canyon. She always said it was a place she felt spiritual – it was her “church” and where she felt most at peace. All those that knew Nancy, all who were touched by her life and generosity, hope that she has found peace once more.

Nancy is survived by her son, Matthew (Ashlea) Beers; grandchildren Anna and Nicholas; sisters Jan (Gene) Burns and Linda (Lee) Farrell; brother Bill (Ginger); two nieces and four nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Georgiana; her brother, RD Ginn; and her beloved husband of 43 years, Ted Beers, who died two months earlier on September 5, 2014.

John McIlvennan - November 7th, 2015

I remember Nancy in 9th grade at Manning Jr. walking around with her paperback, South Pacific. I couldn't imagine anyone reading such a big book, especially with such tiny print. She would always ask me about my friend, Gordon Glade, who had moved away to St. Louis.
At WheatRidge, we took a ski trip to Loveland with both of our little brothers in the back seat of my '64 corvair. She told me she was going to have a bad sunburn the next day (Monday) at school and, by gosh, she did have the most horrible one I have ever seen..
Nancy was just a plain fun person--at the WRHS reunions, with her husband, we would laugh and laugh, doubling over. I miss you, Nancy, very much.
--John

Carole Ann Turre (Goodman)

Birth Date: 1948-07-22

Deceased Date: 2014-02-07

Obituary:
July 22nd, 1948 - February 7th, 2014
65, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2014 in Lakewood, Colorado. Born on July 22, 1948 in Wichita, Kansas to Francis and Mildred Goodman. Carole is survived by her husband of 43 years, Michael "Mike" J. Turre, daughter Jennifer (Cory) Cyr, son Brett Turre, father Francis Goodman, mother Mildred Goodman, brothers Frank Goodman and Warren Goodman, grand-daughters Erica and Kristen King.

There are currently no tributes.

Sam Hobson

Birth Date: 1949-08-08

Deceased Date: 2010-02-15

Obituary:
Samuel H. Hobson Jr., 60, of Swansea, IL, born Monday, August 8, 1949, in Denver, Colorado, died Monday, February 15, 2010 at Jefferson Barracks Medical Center in St Louis, MO.

Mr. Hobson Jr. worked as a Mechanic for Bi-State Bus Company in St. Louis, MO. He was a member of First Assembly of God in Belleville, IL, Christ is the Answer Missionary Group and U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Vision for Asia c/o First Assembly of God.

Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

There are currently no tributes.