Necrology

The Undergraduate Members and Alumni of the Colorado Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon wish to extend their heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends in their time of bereavement, assuring them that our sorrow is mutual and that we shall ever cherish the memory of our faithful brothers. They were faithful and true members, who lived up to the principles and ideals of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

In your kindness, please remember the following brothers we have recently lost.

Spring 2020 Obituaries

Kenneth Michael Stubler 1975

Ken died on July 16, 2020, in Grand Junction, when his life was tragically ended by an undiagnosed illness. He is survived by his lifelong partner, and wife Kathryn Kurtz.

Ken held multiple degrees from CSU, CU and Oklahoma State University. His vast knowledge was utilized for over 45 years in the health services industry. He was known in the chapter house for his unique sense of humor and his ability to broker all “discussions” into a meeting of the minds. 

Ken and his Wife Kathryn built Red Fox Vineyards in Palisade. Ken and Kathryn served on many boards in the Grand Valley community. If anyone needed a helping hand, Ken was always ready to pitch in.

Ken will always be remembered fondly by family, friends, and associates for his kind words, sound advice, generous smiles, and thoughtfulness. We are thankful that his soul is now at peace.

Perry Robert Venard, 1971

Perry passed away June 30, 2019 at his home. He was born in Rocky Ford on February 19, 1949. He spent his childhood in Brush and Akron Colorado, before his family returned to La Junta his 8th grade year.

He graduated from La Junta High School in 1967. He had a degree in accounting from CSU which wasn’t much help in his chosen profession, plumbing. He seldom charged what his services were worth. He and his wife, Judy were married 42 years. They had one daughter, Sarah who was Perry’s pride and joy. Perry and Judy owned BB Nite Club in Rocky Ford for 18 years. Perry loved life; over his 70 years he was Mr. High School, loved by fellow students especially the girls. He was a thespian, and athlete and an excellent student. He was a wonderful friend. He was a very hard worker and provided for his family until the end. He was a good husband and the best dad on the planet. He was a very supportive and caring Papa. He loved water skiing and in his early 20’s did it professionally. He continued skiing into his 60’s, last seen slalom skiing behind is son in-laws jet ski. He was an avid bowler, and won many trophies, but never rolled the “infamous” 300. He loved to sing and often would just break out in song, and most of the time no one knew the tune. He was a wild man and never had a problem telling what he thought. He was a jokester and most people appreciated it, although occasionally Judy didn’t find it all that funny… He had a great knowledge of many subjects. If you found yourself in a conversation with him on a subject he didn’t know much about, he would do the research to make sure the next time he saw you he could one up ya. He loved sports, fishing, storytelling, music, and classic movies. For the last 17 years he has lived for his beloved grandson, Quinton. They were best buds always going fishing, hunting or just talking about life. He was Red Corn Racing videographer and was very close to his son in-law Kelly Yutterman. They had coffee almost every morning for the last 18 years.

As Perry would say “I’m rougher and tougher than a country briar and I can dive deeper and come up drier than any S.O.B. in this here county! And he did right off that wagon seat!” A hole will be left in the hearts of everyone who loved Perry.

Harold Bernard Blach, 1954

Harold was born May 21, 1932 on the family Homestead north of Yuma, Colorado. He was a healthy farm boy weighing in at 9.5 pounds. He was the fourth child of 8 children born to this family. Harold grew up north of Yuma, in a large Catholic family.

Harold attended Yuma Union High School. Following high school graduation in 1950, Harold attended college at Colorado A&M and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He joined the ROTC. Harold received his degree in Animal Husbandry in 1954. After graduation, Uncle Sam called, and Harold served active duty in the Air Force from 1955-57 and 6 years in the reserves. Following his active duty in 1957 Harold returned to the family farm north of Yuma and started farming and ranching. In 1958, Harold spent 2 weeks in the summer training state side in the Colorado Air Guard.

Harold started the farming and ranching operation by purchasing a farm north of Yuma, where they produced crops of wheat, corn, sorghum and rye for feed and cattle. In the 1960’s when irrigation was obtained on some of the land, gated pipe was used to water the crops until the later 70’s when flood irrigation was converted to pivot sprinklers. Harold believed in farming and ranching practices that helped and nurtured the crops and livestock while improving the quality of the land.

Harold was involved with cooperative improvements through the soil conservation district. Harold also believed in soil testing for efficient use of fertilizer on crops, sprinkler renozzling to reduce evaporation and scouting for pest control and water management. Harold used performance and fertility tested bulls in a hybrid rotation in the cow/calf herd. Harold was a constant steward of the land. Harold’s famous declaration to his family was, “Sunrise is the most beautiful part of the day, let’s get to work!”

Harold was active in the Yuma community serving on the Yuma School District school board, Yuma cemetery board, Democratic committee, St John’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and numerous other community organizations. Harold was a member of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Harold was also a member of Colorado Wheat Growers Association, Colorado Sugar beet Growers Association, Yuma County Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Corn Growers Association, and various other farm and ranch organizations.

Harold was a Yuma County Commissioner from 1987-1990 and 1996-1997. He was instrumental in establishing the Yuma County Pest Control District to control noxious weeds in his term.

One of Harold’s passions about life was his faith, faith in God, his church, and his family. His faith and prayer were second to none. He loved his family and cherished every Sunday at church with his family beside him.

Lt. Col Charles (Chuck) Lee Simon, 1954

Chuck passed away on April 21, 2020 at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his devoted family in the home which he built 42 years ago. Chuck loved life, and he wanted to stay, but cancer had taken its toll.

Chuck was born in Colorado Springs on August 9, 1931. After graduating from Lakewood High School, he attended Colorado A&M where he met and married the love of his life, June Morgan. He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in forest management. After serving active duty in the Air Force for 3 years, Chuck returned to CSU where he completed his master’s degree in 1959.

Chuck began a 25-year career with the US Forest Service with stations in Gunnison, CO, Encampment, WY, Denver, and Sheridan. His positions included: ranger, timber and fire staff, fire boss plans chief, and service officer. He fought wildland "res for 30 years in 15 states. Chuck loved Sheridan and rather than take a transfer to Colorado, he chose early retirement and began his career in ranch real estate. Chuck also served in the Air Force Reserves for 25 years as an intelligence staff officer with duties at Air Defense Command, NORAD, and Pacific Air Command. He retired as a Lt Col. He was the area Air Force Academy liaison officer for 40 years and proudly helped place many local standouts into the service academies.

Chuck was extraordinarily active in the community. He was a member of Kiwanis for over 50 years, serving as president twice and as lieutenant governor. He served 21 years on the YMCA Board of Directors and was Republican County Chairman. Chuck was a high school basketball and football referee for many years around the state. He was president of Wild Rose Water Improvement District for 28 years, and state president of the Reserve Officer Association. He was appointed as a director and served as treasurer of Goose Valley Fire District where he was instrumental in getting the fire station constructed, recruiting volunteers, purchasing equipment, and then served as a first responder for 5 years. He was a member of the Sheridan Elks and American Legion. He attended the United Methodist Church.

Chuck participated in the Wyoming State Games where he won the 100m, 200m, and the long jump at age 60. He played in dozens of handball tournaments and played his last basketball game during noon ball at the Y at age 85.

Chuck was proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years. He will be greatly missed.

Donald, Kenneth (Ken) Reichert 1952

Ken passed away peacefully at home on November 11, 2020. Born November 13, 1929 in St. Francis, KS, he graduated from St. Francis High School in 1947. He attended A&M College (CSU) from 1947 to 1952 where he lettered in football, set records in track and field, was a champion wrestler, and received a degree in Physical Education and General Science. He earned his Master's Degree in 1956.

In March 1952, he married Geneva Ehrlich of Windsor, CO. Don served his country at Camp Roberts and Camp Irwin in CA as a Mortar and Tank Turret Instructor from 1952-1954. He went on to spend 30+ years as a coach, teacher and administrator at Manitou Springs High School, Brighton Junior High School, Southern Hills Junior High School, and Burbank Junior High School helping to educate and nurture generations of Colorado students.

Don was also honored with a lifetime membership in the Colorado Wrestling Official's Association in 1974. This distinction had only been granted to 8 other people since its formation in 1936.

Don is survived by his wife Geneva and seven children, Susan, Karen, Jim, Rebecca, Jana, Lisa, and John, as well as six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Though he had no formal training in engineering, Don was able to fix most mechanical, structural, and electrical problems that arose. He enjoyed photography, wood working, collecting old cars and tinkering. He will be remembered as a loving caring husband, father, and grandfather.

Russell William Schelt, 1949

Russell was a devoted husband and father, he died on May 16, 2019 at the age of 97, at the Collier Hospice Center after end-of-life struggles and a broken hip.

Russell was born on April 4, 1922, to the late Augustus and Carrie Schelt of La Porte, Colorado. His sister, Alma, died previously on July 25, 1995.

As a young man, Russell worked for a wrecking yard and later for the local hardware store while attending his first year of college at Colorado State University. In September of 1942, he joined the Army to fight in World War II and was assigned to the 307th Bombardment Group, 371st Squadron of the 13th Army Air Corp. This group was later to be known as the Long Rangers. He was assigned as a navigator and bombardier on a B24 Liberator. The war took him to the South Pacific and included stops in New Guinea, Philippines, Bataan, and Iwo Jima.

At the end of the war, Russell returned home and continued his education at Colorado State University as an engineering undergraduate student. While attending college, he got a job at the local Woolworth's doing stock work. There he met Phyllis Lee Smith, who was working as a salesclerk. They fell in love and were married on May 21, 1948. They rented a small basement apartment in Fort Collins.

In 1949, Russell also graduated from CSU and returned to the hardware store where he was previously employed. After working there for some time, the manager of the store put him in touch with the Farm Bureau Insurance Company in 1950. Farm Bureau hired him, and the family moved to Denver, Colorado, where he worked for the company for 38 years.

On May 16, 2019, Russell passed away after battling the effects of old age and a broken hip. He was a great man, a wonderful husband, and a father who was always there for his family. He will be missed more than words can express.

Don William (Bill) Albertson, 1949

Bill passed away at Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center in Walsenburg, Colo. on Dec. 11, at the age of 96.

He was born on Sept. 13, 1923, in Pueblo, Colo. He attended high school at Pueblo Central High School. In 1942, after the completion of his high school education, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps with the 89th bomb squadron as an aerial radioman. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, along with decorations such as the Bronze Service Star. He was honorably discharged in 1945, and subsequently began furthering his education at Pueblo Junior College, where he was a student-athlete. He then transferred to Colorado State University where he graduated with a B.S. in chemistry and physics. Bill was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Bill completed his education in earning a master's in chemistry from the University of Wyoming.

After college, Bill worked as a cowboy for the Rydberg and Mecom families in Weston, Colo. He met Maxine Sinkovich, a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Stonewall, Colo. They married in 1955 and Bill started his teaching career at Primero High School. In 1960, they moved to Hoehne, Colo., where they both taught school for many years. Bill taught mathematics and science classes. After retirement from Hoehne, he went to work at Trinidad Catholic High School where he taught for several years. Bill was an active member of the Southern Colorado

Livestock Association and American Quarter Horse Association, as well as a huge supporter of the Las Animas County 4-H and FFA chapters. He greatly enjoyed watching and assisting his children in 4-H and rodeo events. His passion for the livestock industry continued through the years, watching the club calves he raised be successful in the show pen brought him an immense sense of pride and joy. His zest for life and love of the cowboy way was evident to all who knew him.

Spring 2015 Announcements

Joseph F. Phelps '51

Joseph Phelps was born Nov. 12, 1927, in Maysville, Missouri.  His parents, Nita and Hensel Phelps, were farmers, but in 1936, in the midst of the Depression, they moved to Greeley, Colo., where Hensel Phelps started a construction company to support the family.

Joseph Phelps graduated from Colorado A & M in 1951 with a degree in construction management. While in college, Mr. Phelps met Barbara Ann Babcock, whom he would marry and have four children. Upon graduating he served three years as a Naval Officer in the Pacific during the Korean War.

In the 1950s and ‘60s he successfully expanded his fathers small local firm into a nationally prominent construction company. He took over the company in 1957 and served as president and general manager until 1975. In 1966 he establishing a branch office in the San Francisco Bay Area so he could pursue his interested in making wine and in 1973 he established the Joseph Phelps Vineyards.

In 1974 he decided to make a “proprietary blended” wine from the noble varieties, no one had ever blended quality varieties before. He named it Insignia and it the first of its kind, leading the way for such giants as Dominus, Rubicon and Napa valley's flagship blend, Opus One.  Mr. Phelps stepped down as the chairman of Phelps Vineyards in 2005.

Brother Phelps is survived by his son Bill, three daughters, Leslie Phelps, Laurie Anderson and Lynn Finch; eight grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. 

Donald H. Hoch ‘50

Don passed on December 30th, 2019, with his 5 children close at hand. He had been a resident at Mercarios Assisted Living Center in Aurora, CO. for the past 5 years where he had been fighting the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 
He will be mostly remembered for his 50 plus years as a Dentist and his long-time community service in the Westminster area. 
Donald Henry Hoch was born in Yuma, CO. in July of 1927 to the union of Arnold Hoch and Zella Fail. He was the youngest of 3 brothers. His parents and his 2 older brothers, Robert S. and Richard A., all preceded him in death. Don attended school and church in Yuma, CO. through high school, where he excelled in athletics. 
After high school, Don served his country in the United States Army as a clerk in charge of typing up discharge orders for soldiers coming home to the U. S. from World War II. After serving his country in the Army, Don enrolled in the Colorado School of Agricultural and Mining College in Fort Collins, CO.
Don was a “walk on, tryout” for The Colorado A&M football program, securing a starting position on the Varsity Squad, and playing there for four seasons because of the 4 year eligibility rule due to the war. Don was awarded a scholarship in football for 3 of those four years. He played on the team that took Colorado A&M to their first-ever Bowl Game: the 1949 Raisin Bowl in Fresno, CA. The “Aggies”, as they were called, lost that game 20 to 21, in the highest scoring Raisin Bowl of all the eight Raisin Bowls played. Don played with teammates Dale Dodrill, Thurman McGraw, and Jack Christiansen. These players went on to play Professional Football and are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio. Don was invited to try out with the Detroit Lions, but instead chose to start a family. 
Don was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and had as fraternity brothers Roy Romer and Kenny Monfort to mention a few of them.
Don loved college life: his classes, his school, his fraternity, his team. But while at college, Don ran into something that he loved even more than these: Betty Champion, who would become his first wife. They were married on December 19th, 1948, and had five children: Randy, Vickie, Dana, Dan, and Baby Becky. These all survive him to date. 
Don received a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado A&M as well as a teaching certificate. Don signed on as a coach and teacher with the Delta, CO. School District for 2 years. Coaching and teaching didn’t completely fulfill Don, so he began to look for some other way to provide for his future family. 
In the late 1800’s, The Hoch family in Yuma had started and owned the Hoch Lumber, Coal, and Premix Company in Yuma. Between school years at Delta and while on a summer working vacation to Yuma, Don painted a house for the area Dentist, Dr. Hemphill. After talking with Doc Hemphill, Don decided to become a Dentist. 
Don made it through 2 years at C. U. in Boulder securing the classes needed for his predental certification. Immediately following, Don was accepted into the Dental School Program at the University of Nebraska. He graduated 4 years later and passed the Dental Board Exams in Nebraska in 1957 and became a Doctor of Dental Surgery.  (DDS).
Don was then an Alumni of the CSU Aggies/Rams (formerly CO. A&M in Fort Collins, CO.); the C.U. Buffaloes, University of Colorado, in Boulder, CO.; and the University of Nebraska, Cornhuskers, in Lincoln, NE.  Don said that he couldn’t lose when rooting for ANY team, but that being an Alumni of three Universities sure can get expensive! 
Don then moved his family to Westminster, CO., passing the Dental Board Exams in Colorado, receiving his DDS, and his license to practice Dentistry in Colorado. 
Joining in with two MD’s, Dr. Ansley and Dr. Anderson, Don opened a practice in the Bradburn Medical Building in 1959 offering dental care at this existing medical facility.
Two years later, Don talked a junior classmate and ‘Husker’ Alumni into joining him, and soon Dr. Hoch and Dr. James M. Bennett opened the Cedarwood Square Professional Building at 80th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd. in Westminster, CO. 
Don and Jim would go on to have an impact on the Dental Profession in Colorado as it exists today. They both gave freely of their time to help in the establishing of a Dental School at the University of Colorado in Denver, offering free dentistry for the disadvantaged and the elderly at Tri-County Health, the Denver Dental Study Group, and the Westminster Dental Study Group. They both volunteered for the National and State Dental Societies as well as State Healthcare Regulatory Agencies. Don and Jim both knew the Lord, so giving back came easily for them. 
Don also gave civically. He served on the Westminster City Council that assured Westminster’s growth for the next 100 years by coming up with a Water to Growth Model. He also served as their Mayor for some of those years. 
Don helped to organize and establish the first Rotary Club in Westminster. He was a Charter Member, also the last living Charter Member, and Past President of the first Rotary Club in Westminster. He was active in this club and Rotary International for the rest of his life. 
Don helped establish and charter the Citizens Bank of Westminster where he sat on the Board of Directors for many years.