Donald Hald Petersen

Donald Hald Petersen, 95, of Cedaredge, Colo., passed away on May 31, 2009.

He was born August 28, 1913, in Dannebrog, Neb., to Louie and Rose (Hald Mead) Petersen. He spent his childhood and attended school through high school in Dannebrog. He graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and later attended Purdue University. He married Inez Carolyn Hulting in November 1937 and they lived in Oak Park and Glen Ellyn, Illinois, suburbs of Chicago, until he retired from Perfection Metal Heat Treating in the late 60's. Inez preceded him in death in the spring of 1997. He married Barbara Hendricks in July of 1998.

Don was an avid duck and goose hunter and loved to go to Canada to pursue this hobby. He was very active in his church and with his wife, Inez and 11 friends they established the Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church in Glen Ellyn, Ill. They moved to Cedaredge, Colo., in 1971 where he became a gentleman farmer and planted several hundred apple trees. He always said he found his dream, “a custom built home on acreage with duck pinds and 1,900 feet of Surface Creek flowing through the property.” He was happiest on one of his tractors regardless of the project on hand.

He was responsible for funding the Cedaredge Public Library building, the Chapel of the Cross in Pioneer Town, the chapel/multi use building at the Delta Correctional Facility, a large portion of land in Pioneer Town and donated several pianos and organs to churches in the area. For many years he supported the music program at Mesa State College and the college gave a Petersen Concert every spring with a renowned artist. He was on the original board of directors at Horizons Care Center and helped establish the apartment complex there. Don was a man to look up to. He felt he had been blessed financially and he gave freely to organizations and to those in need. He often said, “It isn't the money you have, but how you use it to help others.”

He was honored by the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year on two separate occasions, received awards from the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society, the Cedaredge Public Library and was named Philanthropist of the Year in June of 200l for the entire western slope.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Petersen of Cedaredge, Colo., his son Raymond Petersen of Grand Junction, Colo., daughter Donna Lynn Poland (Larry) of Redlands, Calif.; brothers Nelson Petersen (Albie) of Boulder, Colo., Robert Petersen (Ann) of Dannebrog, Neb., John Petersen (Lois) of Berrien Springs, Mich., a sister Helen Petersen of Peoria, Ariz., a sister-in-law Jean Petersen of Bedford, Mass., two step daughters , Christine Baker and Kathleen Baker of Vancouver, Wash., and a stepson Ted Baker (Greer)of Alta Loma, Calif., six grandchildren, two step grandsons, eight great grandchildren and one step great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Inez, his parents Louie and Rose Petersen, two brothers, Raymond Petersen and Dr. James Petersen.

Services were held June 6, at the Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 24, Delta, Colo., 81416.

Stanley C. Ring

Stanley C. Ring, age 73, of Delta, Colo., passed away May 27, 2009 at Montrose Memorial Hospital in Montrose, Colo.

He was born September 3, 1935 in Hollis, Okla., to Homer and Ruby Montgomery Ring.

He served in the Army during WWII. He was employed as a Cowboy for many years.

Stanley had been a resident of Delta for three years. He was a member of the “Over The Hill Gang” car club and was an avid street rodder.

He is survived by his wife Topsy Holmes of Delta, Colo., two sons and one daughter, one brother, and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation has taken place.

Please sign the memory tribute and view the obituary on-line at www.mesaview.net.

Richard M. Hugins

Richard M. Hugins, age 84, of Cedaredge, Colo., passed away May 29, 2009 at Willowtree in Delta, Colo.

He was born March 25, 1925 in Littleton, Colo., to Walter and Adelaide Ayers Hugins.

He was employed as an accountant for years many with Qwest. He was a member of Delta Elks Lodge #1235 and a former member of the Littleton Lions Club. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf and singing in a Barbershop Quartet. He served in World War II in the European Theater, as a navigator on a B-17 bomber. After his missions were completed he returned to Littleton, Colo., and enrolled at CU-Boulder where he met his future wife. Four children were born to this marriage. He later divorced. He married Beryle F. (Crosby) Cain. After his retirement from Qwest in 1981, he and Beryle traveled for six years, settling in Cedaredge, Colo., in 1987.

He is survived by his wife Beryle Hugins of Cedaredge, Colo., two sons; Michael R. & wife Marsha Hugins of Englewood, Colo., John D. and wife Janell Hugins of Westminster, Colo.; two daughters; Diana K. and husband Zenek Kolanek of Aurora, Colo., Mary E. and husband John Wall of Littleton, Colo., a brother David G. Hugins of Ventura, Calif., sisters; Ruth and husband Vern Brown of Arvada, Colo., Elizabeth and husband Ken Ellenberger of Ventura, Calif., and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; Walter Jr. and Robert Hugins.

Services were held on July 24, 2009 at Mesa View Mortuary Chapel in Delta, Colo.

Interment was in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Grand Junction, Colo., with the Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard providing military honors.

Donations may be made to VA Hospital, 2121 North Ave., Grand Junction, Colo., 81501, or Charity of Giver's Choice.