John Ehrhardt

Gone Fishing

John Drew Ehrhardt passed on November 9, 2024, at home in Centennial Colorado, with his partner of 70 years, Marilyn "Mil" (Miller) Ehrhardt, and their kids, David Ehrhardt, Diane Gary, and Susan McShane, close by.

John lived big! He lived for family, friends, and fishing. An avid outdoorsman, John had his young family out hiking, camping, fishing and skiing across California, the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, and the Rockies before making Colorado their permanent home in 1973. John never wasted time outside of work. He loved playing cards and cribbage. He was a skilled woodworker, a sometimes gardener and watercolorist, he tied his own flies and loved musical theater. John rode Ride the Rockies many times with friends and family, ran the Bolder Boulder, and always found ways to enjoy his beloved Colorado.

John and Mil were adventurous at heart, having the family's Country Squire wagon packed on Friday afternoons to head out after work for camping, backpacking, and of course, fishing. In early retirement, John and Mil pulled a trailer to Alaska in the summer and down through Mexico and the Baja in the winter for a number of years, before spending long periods of time in Green Valley, AZ, and on Cape Cod. To his family and friends, he was known for his big smile, a firm handshake, and a live and let live attitude. He seemed to be grateful for every day, never missing the opportunity to comment on a blue sky day. And fortunately, living in Colorado, there were plenty of them.

John was a larger-than-life figure to his five grandchildren: Benjamin Ehrhardt, Amanda Ehrhardt, Rachel (Gary) Spinowitz, John Connor Gary, and Laurel Gary. "Gramps" was fun and funny and generous in spirit. John and Mil hosted grandkids' camp every summer, traveled internationally with each of the grandkids, and loomed large in their lives and hearts.

John also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Jocelyn (Karabatsos) Ehrhardt, and his son-in-laws, Mark Gary and Michael McShane, as well as nine nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Jan Ehrhardt, and brother-in-law, Mike LaMair. He is predeceased by his brother, David A. Ehrhardt, his lifelong partner in fishing, hiking, biking, and all things outdoors, and Mil's sister, Jane (Miller) LaMair.

John and Mil met at Iowa State University and were married the weekend they graduated in 1958. John earned an MBA from Loyola College in Chicago, and worked in marketing for engineering firms. Together, John and Mil valued community and service, actively participating in faith communities and maintaining old friendships while always building new ones. In his later years, John joined Mil and their daughter Susan in their volunteer work, as a PAL, Partners of Assistance League. John will be deeply missed by many.

The family is immensely grateful for John and Mil's many friendships, each of which made his life richer. To the Holly Creek Community, thank you.

A memorial will be held in January, as an opportunity to share stories and celebrate John's life. In lieu of flowers, donations in support of the Assistance League of Denver are welcome, but not expected.

For now, John is back out fishing the rivers and streams of Colorado.