Andrew "Andy" Charles Weinzapfel

Andy grew up in Denver Colorado, and loved the mountains and at an early age was fascinated with rocks and gems, keeping a rock on his desk in grade school. He was the shortest boy in his class, but finally wised up and when he got bullied he told them about his brother getting a black belt in judo and aikido! Upon graduating from St. Francis de Sales High School he attended Colorado School of Mines graduating with a 5 year degree in professional geological engineering in 1970. Then he spent 33 years at Conoco exploring first for uranium in Casper WY, Corpus Christi, Kenedy, Austin and San Antonio. In 1981 he changed to oil exploration with Conoco in Denver and Houston, and reached the pinnacle of his career as the highest ranked senior geological fellow on the technical ladder when he retired in late 2002. He had looked for oil all over the world, especially in the US, Alaska, South America, the Caribbean, and north Africa.

In 1973 he met Susan, and told people that after a long dinner, he felt strongly that she would “become” his wife. They were engaged in 53 days, married in 5 months, married 49+ years and raised three children, daughter Amy (Pat) McClure of Euless TX, son Robert (Beth Martin) Weinzapfel from Rosharon TX, and son Stephen (Anna Alphonse) Weinzapfel from Houston.

Andy instilled his love of nature on his entire family, visiting many places all over the US, exploring national parks, the mountains, and numerous locations. He taught them to find interesting rocks, and enjoyed traveling with family to beaches, mountains and to learn about the history of our beautiful country.

After retirement in late 2002 he and Susan retired in Florissant CO after a ten-year search for the perfect retirement spot. Their property had beautiful amazonite on it, and a gorgeous view of Pikes Peak. There he volunteered with numerous non-profit organizations, such as Pikes Peak Historical Society, Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds, and Lake George Gem and Mineral Clubs and Florissant Scientific Society. In 2008 they bought a second home in Euless TX to be closer to their children and grandchildren where he also became involved with the Euless Historic Preservation Committee, learned and taught silversmithing at Arlington Gem and Mineral Club and was active in CRHP at Good Shepherd Catholic Community. When in CO he enjoyed ATVing, mountain climbing, hiking, giving talks and tours on the geology of the area and played his guitar at many sing-along parties. He and Susan cruised and traveled in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand as well.

Andy will be sorely missed by his friends and family for his zest and love of life. In addition to Susan and his children he is survived by five grandchildren, Colton and Carson McClure, Addison Martin Weinzapfel, Anjali and Asha Weinzapfel, and also by his brother Frank (Susan) Weinzapfel, his sister, Sister Marion Weinzapfel, both from Denver, Colorado; brothers-in-law Rick (Diane) Coors, Traverse City, Michigan, and Donald (Dawn) Coors, Fremont, Wisconsin as well as nieces, nephews and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville, TX on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11am. A Bethany Luncheon follows the service.

A reception celebrating Andy's Life will be held at The Grange in Florissant, CO on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2pm. Burial will precede the reception and more information can be obtained by contacting the family directly.

Condolences may be expressed online at J.E Foust Funeral Home in Grapevine, Texas, Dignity Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Pikes Peak Historical Society in Florissant, CO or the charity of your choice.