R.W. Dellenbach

R. W. "Dick" Dellenbach was born in Beardsley Kan., on July 22, 1918, and died in Windsor, surrounded by his family on Oct. 31, 2008. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred Dellenbach; and his brother, Gene. Dick served his country as a Navy Pilot from 1942-1946. His business career started at an early age with owning a root beer stand, a shoeshine stand and a duck pin alley. He bought his first auto dealership in 1952 in Fort Lupton. He continued in the auto industry for the next thirteen years, settling in Fort Collins in 1965. He was a partner in the Chevrolet/Oldsmobile dealership and became full owner in 1970. He moved Dellenbach Chevrolet to its current location in 1971. It continues today as a thriving family business where he was a daily fixture until his death. He was loved and respected by his many employees. His true legacy lives on "All because two people fell in love". He married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Dorwart, on Aug. 30, 1948. She preceded him in death in 1993. He leaves eleven children, Mary, Ann, Mike Janene, Susan Randy Carter, Carol Steve Arceneaux, Bill Nita, Sharon, Steve Lorraine, Rosanne Matt Miller, Maureen Butch Stockover, and Kevin Kathy; 27 grandchildren and their spouses; and 14 great-grandchildren; with two more arrivals in the spring. His family was his life. His faith defined his business character, moral integrity, and made him the gentleman, husband, father, grandfather, and friend that is cherished today. Please remember Dick for his faith in God, his love of family and his hope in the future. A Wake/Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 300 West Mountain Ave. Fort Collins. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Dick's life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 at St. Joseph's Church. Concluding the mass, interment with military honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard will be held at Grandview Cemetery. A reception will be ongoing at Dellenbach Cadillac, 215 West Swallow. Those who desire may view Mr. Dellenbach, Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m. and Monday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dick Dellenbach Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado, 4745 Wheaton Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com.