John Dreiling

John was born in Hays, Kansas on June 25, 1942 to Frank and Martina Dreiling. His family moved to Ft. Collins in the mid 1940's and established Dreiling Motors, the Buick, Pontiac, and GMC truck dealership. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic Grade School and Ft. Collins High School. John started working part-time for the family business and later full time, washing and detailing cars. When the dealership was bought by Markley Motors, John continued working totaling together over 40 years.

John grew up surrounded by a large extended family spread out from Hays to Denver, and Ft. Collins. Many holidays and weekend were celebrated together. Thanks to the "Baby Boomers", John was blessed with many close cousins around his age and some were still in touch with him.

John loved sports, even though he was more of a spectator than player. His father played football at Ft. Hays State and professional for the Pittsburg Americans in the mid 1930's. When the family moved to Ft. Collins, his dad became an "Aggie" supporter. John followed his lead and was an Aggie and then a Ram fan. He broadened his support to all CSU teams and local athletic teams. The Broncos and Rockies came later!

Working at the car dealership, not only did John learn to love cars, he became friends with many of the customers. Having access to cars motivated the family to take road trips and vacations "out west." He visited many National Parks, western states and a few "Bowl Games."

In 1998, John moved from his childhood home to Collinwood Assisted Living and adjusted to a whole new life experience. No longer living with either parent, John was on his own. He met his friend, Judy. Actually, they both lived on Circle Drive as young children and ended up at Collinwood within a month of each other. John had always liked polka music, now they went to polka dancing. They also utilize the Senior Center and attended community events. John was also involved with Gateway and enjoyed weekly events.
About three years ago, John began to have more involved health issues and moved to Columbine West Health and Rehab. He continued to attend activities there as well as weekly excursions with Gateway. His friend, Judy, also visited him weekly.

John is survived by his sister and husband, Barbara and Ken DeLeo; nephew and wife, Brian and Fran DeLeo; niece and husband, Michele and Barney Gordon and daughters, Hanna and Sarah Gordon, and his best friend Judy Thurman.

John's family would like to give special appreciations to Columbine West Health and Rehab, Collinwood Assisted Living, Gateway, Elderhaus, and to all the Volunteers and Ft. Collins residents that helped John along his Journey.