Robert E. Gurtler

Robert E. ˜Bob' Gurtler, formerly of Boulder/Gunbarrel died November 18, 2013 at the Atria Longmont. He was 85 years old.He was born June 29, 1928 in Council Grove, Kansas to Frank and Ella (Long) Gurtler. Bob graduated high school in Lawrence, Kansas. He joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany and Japan until he was honorably discharged in 1951.He married Helen Rymph in March of 1953.While finishing college, he served as minister to a small community church in Maple Hill, Kansas and then Ellis, Kansas. In 1956, he completed his degree at Fort Hays State University. He commuted to Denver to attend Iliff School of Theology returning every week-end to serve the Ellis church. He earned a Master's of Divinity in 1960.In 1961, he accepted a call to Welborn Community United Church of Christ, Kansas City, KS., where he served until he retired. In retirement Bob and Helen moved to Boulder, CO in 1989, and spent many years living in Gunbarrel. He moved to Atria Longmont in 2011.Bob was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Boulder since 1989. He enjoyed worship and was active in the choir and many areas of the church's ministry. He was also a member of Foothills Kiwanis Club where he served as President 1991-1992 and 1994. Following his Presidency he was Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Rocky Mountain District's Division 11. Bob received the Hixson Award for his outstanding contributions to the Kiwanis Pediatrics Trauma Institute program that helps children in trauma situations, living the Kiwanis moto of Serving the Children of the World. He enjoyed many activities in retirement including artistic woodworking, carving distinctive crosses and making toys for his grandchildren. Bob enjoyed photography and travel, including trips with grandsons to Thailand, Alaska, Costa Rica and Europe.He is preceded in death by his wife Helen, granddaughter, Nikki Kalbfleisch, daughter-in-law, Donna Gurtler, and three brothers Calvin, Clarence and Frank Gurtler.Bob is survived by five children Linda Kalbfleisch (Gregg), Robert Gurtler (Jody), Mark Gurtler, Christine Madrid (Mike) and Jan Barker (Chris); 13 grandchildren Grant Kalbfleisch (Teri), Jennifer Leitzinger (John), Lindsay Dayhuff (Brad), Bridget Gurtler, Miles Gurtler (Katherine), Tristan Gurtler, Calvin Gurtler, Kyle, Caysie and Cullen Madird, J and Zeb Macek, and Caite McClellan (Cody), nine great grandchildren Gage and Olivia Kalbfleisch, Libby Leitzinger, Kayla, Laina, Ellie and Rilynn Dayhuff, Parker Messbarger and Benny Vaughn.Memorial services will be held 4:30pm Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Boulder. Memorial contributions may be made to Family Hospice, or the Alzheimer's Association, or First Congregational United Church of Christ (Boulder). Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.