Leslie Ellerman

Leslie A. Ellerman, 86, of Wellington, died May 7, 2008, at home in his easy chair. Les was born Jan. 8, 1922, to Albert and Laura Wallace Ellerman in Alley Springs, Mo. His early years were spent in Missouri. In 1942, Les hitchhiked to Wyoming and worked on the Tarkeo Ranch west of Laramie, Wyo., for the summer. He headed back to Missouri when he knew his draft was imminent. He was drafted into the Army/Air Force during WWII at Jefferson Barrack Missouri in November 1942. He did his basic at Warren Air Force base in Cheyenne, Wyo. He spent a little over three years defending America. He spent six months in the islands. While on Tinian Island with the 509th Composite Group, he helped with the building of an air strip for the big bombers to land on. The Enola Gay took off from this location. He married Loeta Asplin Jan. 25, 1945, in Salem, Ark. They had four children. They moved to Wyoming in 1947, where Les worked in the timber business. They also lived in Walden, New Mexico, Cowdrey, Encampment, Wyo., and in 1962 he moved his family to Laporte where he spent the next 31 years. He will be fondly remembered for the subtle and not-so-subtle practical jokes that he played every chance he got. No one was left out. He loved the outdoors. He spent most of his working life in the timber industry and construction. He also drove trucks for a good many years. His first wife, Loeta, passed away in August 1979. He married Gladys A. Nauta Grandt of La Porte on Dec. 4, 1981. They moved to the Waverly area in 1992. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, of 26 years; four children, Gary Ellerman Kathy of Livermore, Patricia Moritz Jerry of Fort Collins, Wendell Ellerman Kathy of Palisade, and Sandra White Mike of Laporte; two stepsons, Greg Grandt of Okla., and Jerry Grandt of Fort Collins, 10 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; and sisters, Charlene Plowman and Maxine Fry of Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Loeta Asplin Ellerman in August 1979; his parents, Albert Ellerman and Laura Ellerman Stevens; and sisters, Nadine Ellerman and Juanita Files of Missouri; and stepson, Bert L. Grandt. Les loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and the many other children who also considered him grandpa. Les loved to hunt and fish. His favorite was camping. When at home, he liked to mechanic and woodwork, which he did with pride. He gave most of his projects away. He was loved greatly and will be missed. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Resthaven Chapel, 8426 S. Highway 287. Interment will follow with military honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Colorado Talking Book Library, 180 Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO 80226 in his memory. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .