Robert John Koelzer

He was the youngest of three boys. His upbringing started in a simple, but memorable rural setting on a farm South of Rulo, Nebraska. He would describe his life growing up as a perfect as a Norman Rockwell Painting. He grew up Catholic, worshiping at the Immaculate Conception Church and attended the one room Red Brick School through 7th grade where he and his brothers walked or rode their bikes the 2 miles to school…everyday…uphill…both ways.

He graduated from Falls City High School in 1978 and SCC Milford in 1980 with a degree in Diesel Tech. Within weeks of graduation he moved to Grand Junction, Colorado to work for John Deere. Shortly after with Ag business suffering and the oil industry booming, he started what would be a lifelong career in the Oil field. Within 18 months the oil field entered the first of many down turns he would endure when the company he worked for closed that district. He was the only mechanic from that district offered a transfer and in ’83 off to Brighton, Colorado he went.

With the move to Brighton came heavier workload in the field and several promotions. One of the most active operators in the basin at the time was Golden Buckeye Petroleum. When they offered him the opportunity to head the maintenance department for their newly formed service company, Bob at the age of 27 jumped at the opportunity. Golden Buckeye soon merged with Prima Oil and Gas to become the premier operator in the DJ Basin.

While working for Prima O&G he came to know his future stepchildren and his soul mate and future wife Pam. The birth of their son, Landon, in 1995 completed their blended family and after a 19-year journey together they wed on July 27th, 2013.

Bob loved his family, both immediate and extended and adored any time spent with them, doing anything to put a smile on the face of those he held close to the heart. He also had a deep passion for exploring the Rocky Mountains on snowmobiles or four wheelers.

On December 9, 2024 Bob peacefully ended his 11 month battle with cancer surrounded by loved ones.

Bob is survived by his wife Pam of Eaton, three stepchildren Nicole (Jarod) Ley of Kersey, Mindy Hager of Eaton, Tyler Greene of Fort Morgan and Son Landon of Evans, Daughter-in-law Cassie Greene. Four Grandchildren, Shelbie (Riley) Chestnut, Kyle Ley, Addison Hager and Dawsyn Greene and two Great Grand Children Rowan and Cooper. Brother Steve Koelzer of Falls City, Nebraska, brother Tim Koelzer of Rulo, Nebraska, Nephew Jason (Carrie) Koelzer of St. Joesph, Missouri, Niece Kim (Jeff) Smith of Faucett, Missouri, Nephew Nicholas Koelzer of Falls City, Nebraska, plus many great nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.

Bob is preceded in death by both parents, in-laws Roy and Ruth Wohlford, stepson Randy Greene, sister-in-laws Frankie Koelzer and Polly Koelzer, brother-in-law Bill Wohlford, son-in-law Jeff Hager and niece Danielle Koelzer.

The family would like to welcome all to a Celebration of Life for Bob Koelzer on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Island Grove Event Center, 421 N. 15th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado, 80631.