Chuck Bichler of Loveland, Colorado, passed away peacefully at his home—with his children by his side—on July 19, 2021. He was 69. Born to Delores and George Bichler in Deadwood, South Dakota, on June 6, 1952, Chuck moved with his family to Longmont, Colorado, in 1969.
Chuck learned the drywall trade and worked on countless commercial and residential construction projects throughout his career. He eventually ran his own drywall company, employing others and ensuring quality work on many high-end custom homes throughout the Northern Front Range. Following his dream, Chuck lived in Northwest Montana and bought property there during two different periods of his life. The allure of Alaska drew him even further north on an extended trip seeking big fish and big country. A man of the West, Chuck had many diverse interests including horses and bison, cowboys and Indians, hunting and fishing, camping and hiking, and backroad drives and exploration. Later in life, Chuck moved to the Western Slope where he pursued a second career as a professional driver. Earning his CDL, he went on to work in the remote oil and gas fields before returning to the Front Range, driving dump trucks for a living.
Chuck married Jeanette Ehrlich in 1971, and together they raised three children. Chuck supported his family in many ways. Not only did he provide for them, but he taught them the value of hard work. He shaped them through the example he lived and through the advice he would give. Always willing to put his personal time aside to help his kids with their projects or to watch his grandkids' games, Chuck made sure his family knew how much they mattered to him. His departure leaves a significant hole in the lives of those who knew him, those he impacted with his strong hands and his strong will.
Chuck is preceded in death by his father, George, and his brother Greg and is survived by his mother, Delores, of Longmont, brother Mark (Jeri) of Longmont, son Tony (Riana) of Fruita, daughter Tammy Finger (Brian) of Johnstown, daughter Melissa Emmonds (Todd) of Johnstown, grandchildren Kayla, Taylor, Carter, Cody, Lane, Ashley, Zoe, and Avery, and former wife Jeanette of Longmont. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Allnutt Hunter Chapel in Loveland. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Myositis Association at myositis.org.
