Donald Eugene Kanzler

Donald was born in rural Platteville on September 7th, 1936, to Reinhold Kanzler and Margaret (Schmidt). When he was 6 months old, they moved to a farm in the Fort Lupton/Platteville area, when he grew up, he attended first grade at the Wheeler School. Wheeler School and Platteville School consolidated and he started the journey of becoming a Platteville alumni. While attending high school, he excelled in sports, algebra, and geometry. He was a member of the 4-H and the FFA (Father Farms Alone). During his high school years, he met his future wife, Shirley.

He was a diligent worker and lied about his age to work many jobs, like the harvest crew, potato dock, gas station, and the REA.

Donald and Shirley (Maul) were married February 8th, 1959. Donald and Shirley were blessed with five children: Michael, Steve, Cissy (Dawn), Margaret, and Richard.

Donald and Shirley farmed in the Fort Lupton area. Don worked during the wintertime at the sugar factory with Shirley’s brother Dick, and worked on different farming projects like digging beats, cutting corn, and combining corn.

The two of them purchased their farm in 1975. The old 1910 farmhouse required remodeling with the help of all the neighbors by means of good old Christian labor. Donald worked at the Platteville Elevator, Big T Elevator, Johnstown Feed and then started from Monfort Feedlot in Gilcrest, while still managing the farm.

Donald and Shirley farmed in the Fort Lupton area for 50 years until an ATV accident slowed him down. His oldest son Micheal joined him in managing the cattle and farming with the help of his other children and grandchildren for the last 16 years.

Everywhere he worked he always made several good friends (always had a funny joke or story). Whether dealing with him on business or as a friend he dealt honestly and generously with all. A firm handshake was as good as his word. He was the local historian for those who lived here or there.

Donald is survived by his wife of 65 years Shirley, and two sisters Helen Volz of Colorado Springs and Wanita Margheim of Pisgah Iowa. Sister-in-law Alice (Charles) Woods of Longmont. His children, Michael of Fort Lupton, Steve (Dawn Jean) of Loveland, Cissy-Dawn of Dacono, Margaret (Roy) Patton of Frederick and Richard (Wendy) of Roggen. Goddaughter Lindsey Hernandez (whom he lovingly referred to as “Maynard”), eight grandchildren, all his joy whom he called his monkeys. Six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, nephew (Adam Woods) and godson Greg Maul.

A visitation for Donald will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Howe Mortuary located at 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501. His funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church located at 316 Elizabeth Avenue, Platteville, Colorado, 80651. Donald will be laid to rest at Mizpah Cemetery located at 12837 County Road 32, Platteville, Colorado, 80651. A reception will take place following the graveside service at the Platteville Community Center located at 508 Reynolds Ave, Platteville, Colorado, 80651.

Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to First United Methodist Church in Platteville, Colorado.

Services in care of Howe Mortuary of Longmont.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family at www.howemortuary.com