Alvin Dreitz

Alvin Joseph Dreitz passed away at his home in Bethune, Colorado on January 26, 2009. He was 78 years old. He fought a courageous battle with Lymphoma cancer for the past 17 years. He was born in Plains, Kansas on March 17, 1930 to John and Victoria (Herrman) Dreitz. He attended school in Plains and farmed with his Dad and Grandfather. In March of 1944, the family moved to a farm near Bethune, Colorado where he continued to farm and ranch until his death. He was a 58 year member of the Knights of Columbus. Alvin married Mildred Pelle on August 1, 1950 in Stratton, Colorado, a marriage that lasted 58 ½ years. They had a Grade A Dairy until 1964, then he worked for International Harvester Company while continuing farming. Here they raised their children. Alvin is survived by his wife Mildred of the home, son Ron (Sandy) Dreitz of Billings MT, Kathie (Bob) Herrman of Arvada, CO, Judy (Ken) Allen of Alamogordo, NM, Marcy (Ray) Weyerman of Greeley, CO, and DeAnn Dreitz of Pueblo, CO; Daughter-in-law Donita Dreitz of Stratton, CO, sister Dorothy Kliesen of Aurora, CO, sister-in-law Eleanor Dreitz of Littleton, CO. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, Todd Garrison, Jessica Burton, Josh Dreitz, Marie Schenck, Trenton Allen, Robert Dreitz, Teresa Derringer, April Merk, Greg and Jeff Weyerman, Amanda Mason, Kristi and Mindy Mason, McKenzie Mason, Bradley Pottorff and Dalene Rowley, as well as 8 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a son Randall Dreitz, his parents, his brother WA (Bill) Dreitz, a sister Mary Waechter and her husband Herb Waechter, a brother-in-law Leon Kliesen, a niece Phyllis Dreitz, and nephews Victor, Clayton, and Steve Dreitz. Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Dreitz was held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 10:30 AM at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Stratton with Father Ernie Bond officiating. Burial followed in the Calvary Cemetery in Stratton. Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a Parish Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM at the church in Stratton. Memorials may be made in Alvin’s name to the KCC Cattlewomen’s Pink Chaps Cancer Fund, the KCCMH, or to the Burlington Ambulance Service and may be left at or sent to the First National Bank in Burlington or to the Colorado East Bank and Trust in Stratton.