Gus was born and raised in Kansas City, where his father’s family of German immigrants started a machine company that later became US Engineering Co. His parents, Bertha and Gus, ran the company and Gus stepped naturally into their shoes. He eventually moved to Colorado, started his own branch of the company there, and met his second wife and soulmate, Jane, on Pikes Peak while skiing. They were married and moved to Loveland, Colorado where Gus lived for 50 years in the house that he built.
Jane and Gus loved the outdoors, hiking and travel. They put many miles on their beloved GMC motorhome which was fondly called the “Gus Bus” and spent much time on their mountain property near Westcliffe, Colorado. They hiked countless times in Rocky Mountain Park and as Gus neared the end of his life his favorite thing was to take a ride to Estes to see the mountains and the wildlife.
Gus loved to tell stories and explain how things worked from his incredible catalog of memories. These included tales from his service in the Navy, historical family stories and memories from all of the buildings he built with US Engineering. His children were hauled through many a chiller or mechanical room tour whether they liked it or not! Gus also loved trains. He could never get enough of seeing trains of all types, steam engines, diesel engines.. .you name it.
Family was important to Gus. He loved visits and calls from his 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. His son, Curtis, made it possible for him to remain in his home until the very end of his life… a true labor or love.
A Celebration of Gus’ life will begin at 10 am on Friday, May 19th with a burial and reception to follow at Resthaven Funeral Home and Memory Gardens. His entire family will be present and many friends, please join us if you can.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Pathways Hospice at https://pathways-care.org/ways-to-give/
