Arlo D. Gerstenberger

Arlo Durward Gerstenberger was born to Louis Gerstenberger and Ethel Anderson, on his family’s farm near Byers, Colorado, on May 1st, 1925. He was the youngest of six brothers. He attended a one room school house, where he was the 8th grade valedictorian, and the only student in his class. He graduated from Byers High School in June, 1944 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in September, 1945. He served a year in Germany as a Heavy Equipment Operator, cleaning up some of the mess from World War II and was discharged March, 1947. Upon his return, he held several jobs including farm hand, well digger, and trucker. During this time, one of his high school classmates introduced him to Harriet Ellison, who was then in nursing school at Mercy Hospital. After a brief two year courtship, they were married in January 1949, at Corona Presbyterian Church. Arlo worked at Gates Rubber Factory, then enrolled in watchmaker school using his G.I. benefits, and went to work for the Ainsworth Precision Company. In 1950 his son Steven was born. In 1951 Arlo moved his family to Pueblo where he worked for the Pueblo Ordnance Depot. In 1952 the family returned to Denver, and he got a job in the gas meter department at Public Service Company of Colorado. His daughter Diane was born in 1953. He worked at Public Service until his arthritis forced him into early retirement in 1984.

Arlo continued his hobby of doing watch repair until his eyesight and arthritis forced him to shift his efforts to clocks. There are 23 clocks in his den, and many others in the house where he lived for fifty five years, not to mention those he gave to family and friends. During retirement Arlo and Harriet enjoyed spending much time with their five grandchildren, Anna Gerstenberger, Rosalie O’Dea, Linda Nordlander, Mary Jule O’Dea, and Louis Arlo Gerstenberger. They spent winters in Florence, Arizona, traveled to all 50 states, and extensively throughout the world.

Arlo died peacefully at home October 7, 2011.

Arlo is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Harriet, son Steven (Judy), daughter Diane (John) O'Dea, 5 grandchildren, a brother and many other family members and friends. Services will be at 10:00am on Mon at Corona Presbyterian Church (1205 E. 8th Ave.). Burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Corona Presbyterian Church or to the Denver Hospice, in Arlo's loving memory. Condolences may be offered at www.CrownHillFuneral.com