Wayne Walter Crotzer

Wayne Crotzer, 92, of Longmont, CO passed away peacefully from this life on the morning of October 2, 2014 surrounded and supported by his loving family during the last days of his life.He was born July 16, 1922 in Freeport, IL to Harry and Ella Crotzer. He came from a family of 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Wayne served in the United States Marine Corps from Jan. 16, 1942 to Jan. 18, 1946 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent. He saw action with the 2nd Marine Division at Guadalcanal, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, Saipan & Tinian and the Marianas Islands. On June 16, 1945, he married the love of his life, Celia Wasileski, who was also a Marine. A moving tribute and flag presentation by the United States Marine Corps and American Legion Honor Guard was followed by a gun salute and taps. Wayne's four brothers all simultaneously served in active duty during WWII and because of this his mother, Ella Crotzer, was asked to christen the USS Rockford at its launching.After his discharge from the Marines, he became a beloved husband and father. Wayne lived a happy and fulfilling life in Rockford, IL, where he owned and operated Wayne's Texaco from 1955-1990. Wayne and Celia moved to Longmont in 2006.Wayne was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge. He was an avid golfer and the city Ping Pong Champion in high school.He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Celia.Wayne is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Nancy and John Harmon of Schaumburg, IL, son, Ron Crotzer and significant other, Shari Maurer-Crotzer of Edwards, CO, grandson and granddaughter-in-law Brad and Alonna Crotzer of Longmont, CO, granddaughter Jennifer Crotzer of Kansas City, MO, granddaughter Sarah Gillespie of Orange, CA, granddaughter Christine Crotzer of Edwards, CO and great-grandchildren Coryn, Colby and Courtney Crotzer.Wayne came into our lives and left footprints on our hearts¦.. And we will never, ever be the same.A Memorial Service was held on October 3, 2014 at 2:00pm in the afternoon at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Cremation was entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.