John Mapes

John Mapes Jr. went to be with the Lord Feb. 4, 2007. He was known as a loving family man, a hard worker, and a steadfast friend. He was delighted in and delighted by his family. He told colorful stories which painted the life of a Colorado pioneer native. He took pride in building and protecting his country and community. The mountains of Rist and Poudre canyons were his home away from home where he hunted until his 85th birthday. Often he was the first to step in to help friends and family in need. His family and friends will be celebrating his life at 10 a.m., on Friday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St. Pastor Dale Williams will officiate. Interment with military honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Those who desire may attend a viewing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. John was born Dec. 2, 1920, in Fort Collins to John and Maude Pomeroy Mapes Sr., the sixth of eight children. He attended school in Rist Canyon near the ranch he grew up on. John served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the U.S.S. Landsdale as a fireman and water tender. The ship was torpedoed and sunk April 1944 while escorting convoys through the Mediterranean. He received the Purple Heart. John returned to the states and married G. Helen Mapes the same year. They were blessed with three children, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. John was employed by Larimer County Road and Bridge for 23 years and then the Colorado Department of Transportation for 20 more. Hunting, fishing, and camping were his favorite leisure activities. John delighted in his children and grandchildren. He was never too busy to teach them or read a book with them. He was a devoted husband. John is survived by children, Betty Sutton of Fort Collins, and Virgil "Joe" and Cindy Mapes of LaPorte; as well as several grandchildren Dave Mapes of Greeley, Janey and Joel Hansen of Eaton, April Mapes of Greeley, Bob and Michele Sutton, Joe and Angel McDaniel of Wellington, Joel Mapes of LaPorte, Jerry and Laura Mapes of Pueblo, and Dave and Connie Henker of Grover. He will be greatly missed by his great-grandchildren Jace and Jodin Hansen, Alauna Sutton, Beth and Katy McDaniel, Dalton Mapes, and Brittany, Tristen, and Trey Henker. John is also survived by three sisters Neva Morganstern, Alma Amey, and Ruth Parker; a sister-in-law Jane Pfeifer, and two brothers-in-laws Bus Munroe and Frank Baker, and countless other family and friends whom he cherished. He has been met upon his arrival in heaven by his Savior, Jesus Christ; his dear wife, Helen Mapes, and their eldest son, John "Skeet" Mapes III. John was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Willis Mapes, Alameada Neergaard, Mil Baker, and Luther Mapes. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .