Rick Dollerschell

Ricky (Rick) Jay Dollerschell, 63, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away October 10, 2025 in the care of Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ, with several family members nearby. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Tennant Funeral Home, in Sterling, CO on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025, at 10:30 AM with a reception to follow.

Rick was born to Raymond Lewis Dollerschell and Dolores Jean Dollerschell on October 12, 1961 in Sterling, Colorado. Rick attended Franklin Grade School, Sterling Junior High and graduated from Sterling High School in 1980. He continued his education at Northeastern Junior College (NJC) graduating with an Automotive Technology Program associate's degree in 1982. Following graduation, he taught auto mechanic classes at Sterling High School through NJC. Rick and his Plymouth Trouble Shooting team finished first in the 1991 Plymouth/AAA Trouble Shooting Contest held on May 4th at Bandimere Speedway.

Rick pursued a long career in the automotive mechanic field starting with smaller businesses and Service Manager at Holloways Chevrolet in Sterling. After moving to Phoenix, Rick taught Auto Mechanics at Glendale Community College for 6 months, followed by a 30-year career at Bill Luke Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge as a Service Manager, and Service Director. In 2006, Rick received the Service Manager of the Year award for the West Business Center. He was also recognized many times for his talents, hard work, leadership and exceptional service. He retired in 2022 but continued his mechanical skills helping many family members with repair of their vehicles.

Rick married Lerae Annette Graber in Phoenix, AZ on June 24th, 1995. They both grew up in Sterling but did not know each other despite their brothers being good friends. Their marriage started a 30-year journey that was filled with many adventures and making a lifetime of wonderful memories together. They spent a lot of their vacation time at their cabin in Rexford, MT., over the past 20 years, where they made several friends in the West Kootenai area.

Rick enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, boating, Jeeping, motorcycle riding, listening to country music and dancing too. But he mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in the great outdoors enjoying mother nature. As a brother, father, grandfather and treasured friend, Rick touched countless lives with his warmth, wisdom and sense of humor. His legacy of love, adventure and connection to nature will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Rick is survived by his wife, Lerae, of Phoenix, AZ.; daughters, Tara Kolb (Jeff) of Phoenix, AZ., and Jamie Gerk (Jeremy) of Sterling, CO., son Jason Dollerschell (Alicia) of Eaton, CO., brother Jim Dollerschell (Linda) of Grand Junction, CO., and grandchildren: Aeralynn, Deacon, Lela, Gunner, of Phoenix, AZ, Jaiden, Jessa of Sterling, CO., Jay, Cooper, Cash, and Hope of Eaton, CO., two nieces and two nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents – Ray and Dolores Dollerschell and sister Joni.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to honor Rick's memory to Hospice of the Valley. Website: www.hov.org/donate or mailing address: 1510 E. Flower Street, Bldg 1, Phoenix, AZ 85014