John Irwin Brubacher

John Irwin Brubacher, 97, of Ft. Collins, Colorado, passed away on November 22, 2023. John was born in Alamosa, Colorado on February 12, 1926. The middle son of three brothers, he grew up in the San Luis Valley on the family potato farm. He lived there until graduating from high school where he was valedictorian and star track and basketball athlete. He was then drafted into the Army Air Force, where he served during WWII. His duty was as a ball turret belly gunner on a B-17 bomber, last stationed in England until his honorable discharge and return to the States. He was quite proud of his service.

He married the love of his life, Leona Turman, on June 15, 1951. He used the G-I bill to go to college, first attending Adams State College for two years followed by two more years at Colorado A&M (CSU), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. Subsequently, he was hired by the USDA in 1952, as a soil scientist in the Soil Conservation Service. During his career of 32 years he authored two Colorado county soil surveys for Sedgwick and Phillips Counties from 1953-1964 and then worked 5 additional years on a Routt County survey. He was elevated to assistant state soil scientist of Nebraska in 1973 and promoted to state soil scientist of Wisconsin in 1979. He retired in 1986 and moved to the place he and his wife, Leona, enjoyed while in college in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

In their younger years, John and Leona were quite active in square dancing, skiing, golf and bowling. Chasing after their four kids in whatever activities they were involved, took up a lot of their time. Both were active members of and enjoyed the fellowship of the Christ United Methodist Church of Ft. Collins. They traveled extensively across the United States. Their favorite excursions were to view the fall colors around Colorado.

John is survived by his children Rod (Pam) Brubacher, Karen (John) Sprengle, Debra (Michael) Flynn, Bob (Karen) Brubacher; 10 grandchildren and soon to be 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Leona, parents Otto and Gertrude Brubacher and his brothers William and Edward Brubacher.

John, being in the study of soils and geology, is famous for stating numerous times to his family, "I hope there is a video in heaven that I can watch to see how all of this great earth was formed!"

John, Dad and Grandpa will be dearly missed by all. He was the epitome of the "Greatest Generation".

Memorial services are pending at this time.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church of Ft. Collins.