Frank Velzen

Frank Velzen, 89, of Centennial, Colorado passed away on January 16th. Frank joins his beloved wife, Sylvia B. Velzen who passed away in 2014, as well as, all of his siblings and parents. He is survived by his children, Russ (Diane), Kathy, and Mark (Glenna); grandchildren, Kendra (Chris), Alex (Michaela), Jenn (Mark) and Travis; and great-grandchild, Mark. He is also survived by many other extended family members and friends.

Frank was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 11, 1928 to Henry and Dena Velzen. He was raised during the depression, where his mother had a constant pot of soup on the stove and his father owned a horse drawn bakery cart. He remained a baker for the rest of his life, and would continue to hate pea soup, as well. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School. Frank served in the United States Army as a clerk typist, cutting the orders for the men serving over seas and going over seas during WWII. Frank went to baking school and started his career at a bakery in Grand Rapids, eventually moving to be the executive of the Keebler Bakery in Denver. He met and married Sylvia B. Afman on April 26, 1948.

Frank was a perpetual student. He loved to learn. He wanted to make sure he could be the best that he could be, and that included making sure he took the time to make others be the very best they could be. He was a mentor and was highly respected. Following his retirement from Keebler, he worked as a consultant for bakers all over the world. He loved to share his knowledge of things. He was so highly respected for his knowledge and mentorship that when Bahlsen Bakeries in Germany celebrated their 100 year anniversary they invited him, all expense paid, to their celebration. He sat at the same table as royalty.

Frank erred on the side of forgiveness. He was a beloved dad, grandfather and great-grandfather. It was important to him that his family got to spend time together, and he would arrange family vacations to fun and exciting places. He just wanted his family to be together.

Frank will be remembered for his insatiable knowledge, his mentorship, his love of his community and church, his love of his family, attending the Master's every year, his love of golf and fishing, and his calm, conservative, forgiving demeanor. Frank will be dearly missed.

Frank's family will accept visitors from 5-7PM on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Olinger Hampden Mortuary in the Chapel. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 10:30AM at Horizon Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Frank will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery, later.

Gifts in honor of Frank Velzen will be gratefully accepted by:

Christian Living Communities

7000 East Belleview Avenue, Suite 150

Greenwood Village, CO 80111

www.christianlivingcommunities.org

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, Denver, CO.