John Joseph Althoff

He was born December 11, 1927, to Joseph and Mary (Mooney) Althoff in Buffalo, MN. He was a farm kid, growing up in rural Minnesota hunting, fishing, helping out on the farm, and being an older brother to Anne and Bernard. One of just 9 in his high school graduation class in Waverly, MN, he went on to serve in the United States Navy at the end of WWII and then attend Saint John's (Minneapolis) for his undergraduate degree, and the University of Minnesota Law School for his law degree.

John married the love of his life, Catherine, on July 30, 1955, in Edina, MN. They met on a blind date, set up by a friend of his and a friend of Catherine's. John had hitchhiked to Colorado during school to ski and fell in love with Colorado's beauty. Thus, immediately after marrying, they headed west to Denver, for a year, where he worked at a law firm, then choosing Greeley to be their home and start of his private practice. He was a member of the Colorado Bar Association, an assistant district attorney for Weld County, and in private practice from 1957 to 1978. He was appointed District Judge to Colorado's 19th Judicial District serving from 1978 to 1995. Immediately after retiring from the bench, he served as a senior judge from 1995 to 2005, traveling the state hearing and deciding cases. John loved the law.

He loved Catherine even more. They were a great team, raising their family in Greeley and being active members of the community.

John was an amazing father, along with Catherine, teaching all four children life skills; encouraging self-starting, curiosity, independence, a hard work ethic, a strong moral compass, respectfulness, education, awareness and listening to others. He and Catherine were all-in parents, supporting educational and sports goals and an overall well-being.

John loved aviation. He secured his private pilot's license and enjoyed years of flying over the Rocky Mountains and taking trips to Minnesota, Oshkosh, the east coast, and Canada.

John was a life-long avid skier, tennis player, golfer and hiker, all enjoyed and shared with his family. Upon retiring, he and Catherine enjoyed road trips here in the states, cruising the Alaskan channel and traveling abroad to Ireland visiting family roots.

John was a member of the Greeley Elks, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and Saint Mary's Catholic Church.

John is survived by his son, John C. Althoff, Winter Park and Greeley, daughters, Mary (Chris) Giblin, Denver, Margaret (Doug Johnson) Althoff, Fort Collins, and Jean Marie (Bruce) Thompson, Denver, brother, Bernard Althoff, Rye, New York, and grandchildren John Patrick Giblin, C. Chambers Giblin, Jeffrey Johnson and Matthew Johnson.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Catherine, his parents and sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice or Saint Mary's Catholic Church, in care of Allnutt Funeral Services, 6521 West 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.

Please visit www.allnuttgreeley.com to send condolences to the Althoff family.