Fred Wayne Church

1941 - 2014

Fred Wayne Church, 72, of Otis, Colorado, sadly passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at his home after a brave battle with cancer.
Fred was born August 26, 1941, in Yuma, Colorado to George Nathan Church and Genevieve Francis Standley.  Fred attended Willadel School and served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1966, at which time he was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. It was while stationed in Germany he met and married his wife, Christel, on July 8, 1965. They have two children, Sylvia and Steve.  Fred worked for Washington County as a heavy equipment operator from 1966 to 1974.  In 1975, Fred and Christel purchased the Otis Feed and Seed Store and worked there together until 1990.  After selling the store, Fred went to work for a construction company and helped build most of the runways at Denver International Airport.  Fred returned to the County in 1994 where he worked until he retired in 2005.
Fred will be remembered not only for being a hard worker, but above all for his love of life and good times.  He enjoyed nothing more than spending times with family and friends.  Fred loved the outdoors and especially camping and fishing.  He and Christel visited and stayed in every state, except Hawaii.  Closer to home, one would often see Fred taking his daily walk, mowing his yard or working in his garden, in which he took great pride.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Genevieve Church, his stepbrother Larry White, his brother-in-law Willis Harvey, his nephew Justin Church and other numerous relatives.
Fred leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his wife of 49 years, Christel of Otis, his daughter Sylvia Church of Denver, his son Steven Church of Sterling, three sisters, Charlotte Harvey of Sterling, Patricia Riemenschneider of Sterling and Verda Proctor and husband Roger of Longmont, brother Rob Church and friend Carla Green of Joes and numerous nephews, nieces and dear friends.
Services were held Monday, August 25, 2014 at 10:30 at the First Presbyterian Church in Otis, Colorado with Pastor Randy Feather officiating; burial followed at the Otis Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the many friends and family for their support during Fred's illness and to the nurses and doctors at Yuma District Hospital, Yuma Life Care and Hospice of the Plains for their support in his final days.
Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of the Plains.