Richard Elmer Bakel

Richard Elmer Bakel, quietly passed away January 11, 2024 while at Medical Center of The Rockies. Richard had Alzheimer's and that disease erased most of his past from his memory. Still Richard remained happy, positive, and loved passionately what memories he still remembered.

Richard was born March 2, 1943 and lived in Johnstown with his parents, the late Harold and Frieda Bakel, until he graduated Johnstown High School. In those days all you could see from his living room window was fields and fields of corn.

Richard enjoyed his childhood camping, fishing, and hunting with his parents, his younger brother, Royce, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Richard loved and was an excellent wrestler in High School which I learned on the QT from his classmates at his 40th class reunion.

Richard's Uncle Elmer Bakel, invited Richard to learn the craft of "Tinning" - installing the ducts and machinery for heating and air conditioning in houses and businesses. He worked for Pearl Mac and Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning during his 30 year+ career. Richard made lifelong friends in the field.

Richard married Roberta Billmier and they had a daughter, Jody Bakel.

He continued to enjoy hunting, fishing, and then began to restore a white 1930 Ford Coupe with a rumble seat.

Richard and Debbie Mills Lehner - Bakel, married June 19th 1982. Debbie’s 3 children, Erik Cameron Lehner of Minot, ND, Shyla Nicole Lehner of Fort Collins and Rebecca Kay Lehner of Loveland, loved sitting in the rumble seat and going around town. They moved to LaPorte, bought mountain property and continued camping, fishing.

Richard retired from Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning in 2007. He battled and beat cancer.

Richard was Debbie’s Knight in Shining Armor and she will miss him.

In addition to Richard's parents he is precede in death by his uncles and aunts. He leaves behind his wife, Debbie Bakel of Loveland; daughter, Jody Anselmo of Greeley; younger brother, Royce Bakel and his wife, Diane Bakel both of Greeley; nephews, Ty Bakel, his wife, Jennifer and Brian Bakel, his wife, Kelly Bakel all of Greeley.

There will be a gathering to honor and celebrate Richard's life at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 27th, 2024 at Allnutt Funeral Home, 2100 N. Lincoln Ave. Loveland, CO. Dress casually.