Frank Samuel Macdonald

Frank Samuel Macdonald, 87, of Loveland, Colo., passed away December 5, 2012 at Pathways Hospice Care Center.

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He was born December 24, 1924 in Valverde, a truck farming area west of the South Platte River in Denver, Colo., to Frank P. and Lois E. (Merman) Macdonald.

Sam attended McKinley Grade School and Grant Jr. High and graduated from South High School in 1942. He was a member of the South Platte Park Pirates softball team. His first paying job was as a caddy at Denver Country Club, he went on to be a “sweeper boy” during Jr. High and High School. He joined the U.S. Army in December 1942. After boot camp at Camp Walters, Texas and training at Camp Clairborne, La., he became a rifleman in the 84th Infantry Division. As a Staff Sergeant, he survived the Battle of the Rhine, the Battle of the Bulge and Battles of Central Europe. His division helped secure the Allied Victory in Europe. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was a lifetime member of the 84th Railsplitters Society.

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In 1949, he graduated from Colorado A&M College (Colorado State University) with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Sam worked as a Ranch Manager and later a Livestock Buyer for Armour & Company at the Denver Stock Yards. He was employed by the City & County of Denver in the Public Health Department. Governor Love appointed him to the Board of Registration for Professional Sanitarians. Sam served as the President of Colorado Public Health Association, the Colorado Association of Sanitarians, and the Denver Health & Hospital Employees Club. Sam taught First Aid classes, was active in Boy Scouting, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Museum of National History. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of Park Hill Masonic Lodge No. 148 and the Denver Consistory.

In his spare time, Sam enjoyed building houses with his father and brother and managed property until his retirement.

In 1955, he met and married the first love of his life, Jeanette (Jenny) Starks. They met on a Colorado ski slope and were the parents of a son and two daughters. They were members of Park Hill United Methodist Church. The family spent many vacations beach combing in Texas on South Padre and Mustang Islands. After 31 years of marriage, Jenny died from Congestive Heart Failure.

In 1987 he married the second love of his life, Dianne L. Ashmore and they purchased a small farm near Berthoud, Colo., in 1991. Sam transferred his church membership to the Berthoud First United Methodist Church in 1991. He was a charter member of the Park Hill Lions Club and transferred his membership to the Berthoud Lions Club. He received the Melvin Jones Award and was active in all the Lions Club activities. He was a member of the Berthoud Barn Owls square dance club and Berthoud AARP.

Sam was always interested in people and made friends everywhere he went. He leaves behind a legacy as a loving, faithful husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and devoted friend to all who knew and loved him. His wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; son Douglas (Lisa) MacDonald; daughters Rebecca Macdonald and Kimberly Bilson Macdonald; grandchildren Joshua, Ryan, Brandon and Harley Wiggins, Ryan MacDonald, and Malachi and Colby Bilson; a sister, Adele Hause; a brother-in-law, Glenn Ashmore and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Samuel Percival and Meta (Munneke) Merman and Percival and Jessie (McNeil) Macdonald; his parents; his first wife, Jenny; and two siblings, his sister Jessie Tompkin, and brother Bruce.

Memorial services were held December 13, 2012 at the Berthoud First United Methodist Church in Berthoud, Colo.

In a spirit of giving back to society, Sam had directed his remains to be used for Medical Research.

There will be an interment in Berthoud Greenlawn Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Berthoud First United Methodist Church, building fund or Good Samaritan Auxiliary, 2101 South Garfield Ave., Loveland, Colo., 80537. ❖

Leland Sheard

Leland Sheard, 95, of Greeley, Colo., passed away January 1, 2013, at Sterling House in Greeley, Colo.

He was born January 12, 1917, in Esbon, Kan., to Clarence and Nellie (Lane) Sheard.

Leland grew up in Joes, Colo., and graduated from Joes High School. On July 1, 1939, he married Naomi Morris. On July 14, 1967, Leland married Elizabeth Mullis.

He worked for the railroad as a brakeman, telegraph operator, depot agent and retired as the last rail agent to serve at the Denver Stock Yards. His passion was mules. In 2009, Lee was honored at the National Western Stock Show for 75 continuous years of involvement at the Stock Show as a participant, volunteer and through employment. He was a 4-H leader in Weld County and a long time member of the Al Kaly Mule Train in Colorado Springs. Leland was a lifetime member of the Colorado Mule Riders, a member of the Shriners and United Methodist Church of Johnstown.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at the Sterling House of Greeley and Hospice of Northern Colorado.

He is survived by his son, James L. Sheard of Owatonna, Minn.; daughter, Janice Stroh of Johnstown, Colo.; grandchildren, Wesley Stroh of State College, Penn., Allison Deputy of Baker City, Ore., Jason Sheard of Maple Grove, Minn., and Justin Sheard of Rogers, Minn.; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four nephews, one niece and a special family friend, Maryel Shurtz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Naomi and Elizabeth; sister, Erma; and son-in-law, Jim Stroh.

Memorial services were held January 12, 2013, at United Methodist Church of Johnstown in Johnstown, Colo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the “Hospice of Northern Colorado” or “United Methodist Church of Johnstown” in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, Colo., 80634.

Condolences may be sent to the family and his life story read at http://www.AdamsonChapels.com. ❖

Bobby D. Reed

Bobby D. Reed, 69, of Peetz, Colo., passed away January 1, 2013 at Chadron Community Hospital in Chadron, Neb.

Bobby, also known as Bob, was born on January 11, 1943 to Dewey and Freida, Reed, south of Gordon, Neb. He grew up riding horses to country school and when he entered Junior High he lived in Gordon, Neb., with his oldest sister Jane and Kenneth Hilliker.

Bob loved the cowboy life, riding, roping and breaking horses. He worked for many big ranches around Gordon, Neb.: Cross-Five, Cross Ranch, and Jess McGinley.

Bob and Connie were united in marriage June 1, 1961.

He and family moved to Peetz, Colo., to become head school bus driver/transportation maintenance specialist for 22 years. He retired due to health issues in 2004.

He is survived by the love of his life for 52 years Connie; children, Rob Reed and friend Stephanie Henrichs of Hay Springs, Neb., Ron (Marilyn) Reed of Hay Springs, Neb., Lorrie (Dan) Wood, Peetz, Colo., Sherrie (Arnie) Biberos, Sidney, Neb.; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Leona Hoffman, brothers Bill Reed, Byron Reed, and infant sibling, and brothers-in-law Ken Hilliker, Lynn Hilliker, and Jerry Hoffman.

Memorial services were held January 5, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs, Neb.

Burial was at Fairview Cemetery in Rushville, Neb.

Memorial contributions have been established for the American Diabetes Foundation and may be sent to Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary, PO Box 443, Hay Springs, Neb., 69347.

Online condolences can be made at http://www.ChamberlainChapel.com. ❖

Melvin Meekins

Melvin Hawthorne Meekins, 91, of Sterling, Colo., passed away December 25, 2012 in Sterling.

He was born September 28, 1921 in Humphries, Mo., to Noel Lee and Edna Lee (Hawthorne) Meekins.

Melvin moved to Limon, Colo., in 1925 where his family had a sheep ranch. Soon after, he moved to Fort Morgan, Colo. After graduation from Fort Morgan High School in 1940, he joined the United States Army Air Corps. He served 38 months in active duty in World War II flying 41 missions as an engineer/ turret gunner, earning 7 Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired as a Technical Sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Upon returning to Fort Morgan, Colo., he went into farming with his father. Melvin married Mary Lou Rothrock on January 31, 1948. In 1965, they moved to town with their two daughters. Melvin became a Certified Life Insurance Underwriter. He also was a rural mail carrier for 18 years. Melvin was a member of the United Presbyterian Church serving as an Elder for 18 years. He was a 4-H Leader and served as an Exalted Ruler of the Elk’s Lodge. He was a member of the Masons earning the 33rd Degree. Melvin served as President of the Association of Life Insurance Underwriters of Northeast Colorado and was a long time member of the V.F.W.

Melvin was an accomplished singer his entire life. He sang for 66 years in the Presbyterian Church Choir and sang for a large number of weddings and funerals throughout Morgan County. He sang with the Barber Shoppers as well as the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He filled his life with many hobbies. Melvin was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved playing golf. Later in his life after complete retirement he took on fixing bicycles and donating them to the Caring Ministries. He was recognized as an “Angel Among Us” and a “Channel 7 Everyday Hero” for repairing and donating over 600 bicycles.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lou Meekins; daughters Kristin Nichols and husband Gary, Kimberly Delgado and husband Christopher; grandchildren Celeste Pelton and husband Byron, Heather Brungardt and husband Lonnie, Travis Nichols and wife Tiffany, Brandon Nichols and wife Kristin; and great-grandchildren, Mattea and Elliana Pelton, Trace Brungardt, Peyton and Ashton Nichols, and Brayden and Ryanne Nichols, all of Sterling, Colo.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Helen “Billie” Meekins Haug, and great-grandchildren Taylor Nichols and Diego Pelton.

Memorial services were held December 29, 2012 at the United Presbyterian Church in Fort Morgan, Colo.

Interment followed in Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund at the United Presbyterian Church in Fort Morgan, Colo. ❖

Gladys Wickham

Gladys M. Wickham, 91, of Greeley, Colo., passed away January 6, 2013, at the Hospice of Northern Colorado Inpatient Unit at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo.

She was born May 19, 1921, in McCook, Neb., to Jake and Elizabeth (Fries) Walters.

Gladys was baptized in Christ Congregational Church in McCook, Neb., and grew up around the farming communities of McCook, Culbertson and Beverly, Neb. She grew up in the German faith and, when starting first grade in a one-room country school, she was the only student of German heritage and couldn’t speak English. That was a difficult beginning, but soon she was making friends who helped her learn English, and later graduated eighth grade in the country school near Beverly, Neb. Growing up on a farm, Gladys did chores when not in school and, although she never quite managed milking cows, she did learn to drive a tractor, mow hay and worked many long, hot days in the beet fields. She was the oldest of four children.

She moved to Colorado with her family in 1937, and settled in Brush, Colo., where she attended high school and graduated in 1942. In that same year, she was confirmed in the Congregational Church.

On January 16, 1946, Gladys married Dean Wickham in Brush, Colo. They lived in New York and Pennsylvania the year after their marriage, then returned to Colorado in 1947, and raised their two children in Fort Morgan, Colo. They were active in the Methodist Church there and were also involved in scouting — Dean was a Den Master and Gladys was a Den Mother. In 1962, they moved to Greeley, Colo., and joined First Methodist Church. Gladys enjoyed her involvement in the Women’s Society, helping with the church newsletter and Sunday bulletins, serving as a greeter and was dedicated to visiting the shut-ins in the nursing homes.

Gladys loved homemaking, working in her garden and flowers — her favorites were her roses and pansies. With the grapes and apples from her yard, she made delicious jellies, juices and her “out of this world” apple pies. She also loved to travel with her husband, and especially enjoyed fishing the streams of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Some of her most memorable times were spent during family vacations in the Colorado mountains, staying in the one-room cabins at the Sportsman’s Lodge, and fishing a favorite spot in the Poudre River Canyon.

She is survived by her daughter, Jan Bielema of Greeley, Colo.; granddaughters, Emily (Scott) Hartmann of Broomfield, Colo., Sarah (Todd) Segrest of South Carolina, and Cassie (Marc) Santoro of New Mexico; daughter-in-law, Jacque Dooley of Colorado; sister, Alma Killeen of Louisville, Colo.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean Wickham; son, Wayne Wickham; brother, Ruben Walters; and a sister, Carolyn Schafer.

Memorial services were held January 10, 2013, at First United Methodist Church in Greeley, Colo.

Interment was at Linn Grove Cemetery in Greeley, Colo.

Memorial contributions may be made to “First United Methodist Church” in care of Adamson Funeral Home, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, Colo., 80634.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.AdamsonChapels.com. ❖

Ross J. Bernhardt

Ross J. Bernhardt, 66, passed away December 22, 2012, at Valley View Villa Nursing Home in Fort Morgan, Colo.

He was born in Denver, Colo., on August 17, 1946, to Jacob and Lovie Bernhardt.

Ross was raised on the Bernhardt family farm near Wiggins, Colo. He graduated from Wiggins High School and continued to work on his parent’s farm. He entered the U.S. National Guard and was injured while serving with the National Guard. After returning to Morgan County, Ross owned and operated a vacuum cleaner repair and carpet cleaning business.

Ross attended the Community of Christ Church in Fort Morgan, Colo. He enjoyed playing dominos, tinkering with mechanical things, drinking coffee with friends and absolutely loved his job. Ill health forced his retirement.

He is survived by his children, James Bernhardt of Fergus Falls, Minn., Shawn Bernhardt of Fort Morgan, Colo., Katrina Glover of Mineral Wells, Texas, and LeAnn Vick of Fort Morgan, Colo.; his step-children, Tamalena Martinez of Tucumcari, N.M., Allen Piland of Waverly, Mo., Troy Piland of Alexander City, Ala., and Virgina Piland of Fort Morgan, Colo.; sister, Carol McIsaac of Pueblo, Colo.; his former spouse, Beverly Alexander of Fort Morgan, Colo.; 27 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Memorial services were held December 27, 2012, at the Community in Christ Church in Fort Morgan, Colo.

Services concluded at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ross Bernhardt Memorial Fund c/o Heer Mortuaries. ❖