John Leslie Specht

At age 72, John passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Greeley. He was born April 28, 1950 in Greeley to Reinhold and Esther Specht. He grew up in Greeley where he played baseball for the America’s Little League as catcher and was a member of Boy Scouts of America. As a Boy Scout and using his dad’s crafty encouragement, John built a derby car that he drove in a competitive derby race. He also built and raced small pinewood derby cars.

John, a popular and fun guy, attended Greeley Central High School and was once crowned royalty at a school dance. He attended and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He confessed to knowing the Lord and his favorite Bible verse which he knew by heart was John 3:16.

Following graduation from high school, John was drafted by the United States Army but chose to enlist in the Navy. During his 4 years of service, he was transferred to a hospital in Guam, (Vietnam Era), where he served and cared for his fellow soldiers as a physical therapist.

After serving his country, he returned home and attended Aims Community college where he studied applied Science with emphasis in Auto Body Repair. He was employed as a handyman, carpenter and carpet layer for different companies within Greeley.

For recreation, he looked forward to spending time with his dad, driving his 1968 Dodge van to his favorite fishing hole, fished, enjoyed camping, boating, water skiing, in addition he found time to do gardening, lawn work and played video games.

After John’s dad, his best friend, passed away, John experienced a bout of depression and became quieter and preferred to spend his time alone.

He lived at home residing in his mom’s basement apartment and helped with home chores, repair work, lawn work etc.

In 2009, John experienced serious health problems requiring multiple surgeries. He spent weeks in the Denver Veterans Hospital. After returning home, John resumed his dedication of helping his mom.

In November 2022, John experienced another serious illness which was diagnosed as cancer. John chose not to be treated with additional surgeries or Chemotherapy and was placed in hospice care. After 4 months of residing at the West Lake Lodge Facility, in the hospice care unit, John took a turn for the worst and his life ended.

John will be remembered as a creative, talented, quiet but caring person.

John is preceded in death by his grandparents, dad; Reinhold, several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his Mother, Esther Specht, Sister, JoAnn McGrath (John), many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and great cousins.

Life celebration visitation, held at Macy Chapel 6521 W. 20th St. Greeley, CO 80634, will be Monday April 24, at 10 am, funeral service will be at 11 am followed by a lunch reception. Burial will be held the following day at Fort Logan Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of John Specht to Trinity Lutheran Church School, 3000 – 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634.