Dwayne J Gammel

Dwayne J Gammel, 83, passed away naturally, Monday, January 12, 2015. A memorial service will be held at Galilee Baptist Church, 2525 Van Buren Court in Loveland, Colorado, on Monday January 19 at 11:00 a.m. A short graveside service will be held at Grandview Cemetery at 1900 Mountain Ave. in Fort Collins at 2:00 pm. Dwayne was born June 15, 1934 to Conrad and Edith Gammel in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Dwayne was the sixth of eight children and grew up on the family farm outside Fort Morgan. He met the love of his life, Jackie Anderson in Fort Morgan, and they married June 15, 1951. In 1968, Dwayne and Jackie moved to Fort Collins and opened the Pizza Hut Restaurant on East Mulberry Street, which they operated for 5 years. Dwayne held many positions in the years that followed from salesperson to small engine repair. Dwayne became well known around Fort Collins for being the Old Towne Santa, a position he treasured for many years. With his genuine belly and snowy white beard, he showered countless children, young people and adults with the joy of the season. Jackie was right beside Dwayne as Mrs. Claus, making a festive picture as they arrived by sleigh downtown to start the holiday season. Jackie and he loved finding bargains and spent many Saturday mornings shopping garage sales. Dwayne enjoyed camping and fishing, loving his dogs, playing cards and board games, jig saw puzzles, traveling, and spending time with his family. Dwayne has been survived by his son, Douglas Gammel, and daughter-in-law, Catherine, of Silverthorne; grand children, Joshua and Samantha Gammel, Jamie Pierce and her family: husband, Michael Pierce and children, Elijah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel; his brothers, Fred Gammel of Mesa, Arizona and Ken Gammel of Goodland, Kansas. Dwayne was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jackie; sons, Dwayne, Jr. (Rusty) and Darrel; brothers, Arthur, Conrad, Jr. and James and sisters, Betty and Irene. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Dwayne’s name to Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 Olive St. Fort Collins, CO 80524. Good Bye Dad, Grandpa, Santa and Friend, Say hi to Mom… You will be missed!!!!

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Dwayne J Gammel

June 15, 1934 - January 12, 2015