Bernard Duane "Pa" Brickle

Bernard Duane Brickle, lovingly known as “Pa,” was born in Buckeye, Arizona, to Johnny Parker and Wilma Jackson. He grew up on a small farm in the Springerville–Eager, Arizona area, where he developed a strong work ethic, love for the outdoors, and devotion to family that stayed with him throughout his life.

At the age of 17, Duane moved to Aurora, Colorado, where he would reside for the remainder of his life. He graduated from Aurora Central High School in 1963, lettering in basketball, football, and baseball, and participating in boxing and drama club. A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, his passion for sports never faded—especially when it came to cheering on the Denver Broncos.

Duane continued his education at CU Denver and later earned an Associate of Applied Science in Management from the Community College of Aurora in 1983. He proudly served in the Army National Guard before beginning a long and varied career. His work included time at the 26 Bar Hereford Ranch—John Wayne’s ranch—in Springerville–Eager, Arizona, followed by employment as a machinist at Perfection Tip, where he was promoted to supervisor. Duane spent 18 years with the Internal Revenue Service in management before retiring in 2007.

One of the great loves of Duane’s life began when he met Marilyn Schroer at the Rathskeller bar in Denver, affectionately known as “The Rat.” Four months later, on November 22, 1967, they were married—beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 58 years. Together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and loyalty. They adopted their first child, Sean, and later welcomed three more children.

Duane is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Brickle of Aurora, Colorado; his children: Sean Brickle; Sheryl Montoya and her husband Shane Montoya; Michael Brickle and his wife Deia Brickle; and Amy Preuss and her husband Brian Preuss. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Brody Montoya, Jessa Montoya, Michenzie Pace, Jayden Witt, Thabata Passarelli, Trevor Preuss, Brooke Patterson, and Kamryn Brickle.

He is also survived by his siblings Darlene, Lynda, Raleigh, Jim, Sue, Keyne, and Keith. He was preceded in death by his siblings John, David, and Patsy. Duane shared a lifelong friendship with Gene Howe, his best friend since childhood.

Duane loved gardening—both vegetables and flowers—sitting in the sun, and gathering with family for summer BBQs, holidays, Sunday dinners, and sporting events. His chili was a family favorite, and he took great pride in cooking for those he loved. He especially enjoyed driving his 1971 Chevy Nova to the local Sonic for a chocolate milkshake.

With the arrival of his first grandson, Brody, Duane earned his most cherished title: “Pa.” He adored his grandchildren, took joy in spoiling them, and treasured every moment spent with them. Fiercely protective of his family and deeply principled, Duane would always stand up for those treated unfairly—even strangers. Known for his witty, dry, and ornery sense of humor, his sharp one-liners were legendary and hard to beat.

Above all, Duane was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was immensely proud of the life he built with Marilyn and often shared stories of how their family began. His love, humor, and steadfast loyalty will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on December 22, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, located at 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231, United States.

The funeral service will follow at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A graveside service is scheduled from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the same venue.

A reception will take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery.