Marvin James Gelroth

Marvin was born February 27, 1933 to Lydia Albrandt and Henry Gelroth of Louviers, Colorado. He was the middle son of five boys and grew up with his brothers, Albert, Vernon, Donald and John.

Marvin attended Louviers Elementary School, and went to Douglas County High School in Castle Rock in the building on Wilcox Street. He loved math and industrial arts and participated in sports. After graduating, he was encouraged to pursue a college degree by Oliver Matney. He enrolled at Colorado State University, the first in his family to attend college. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics while participating in R.O.T.C. He had planned a career in the military but, after discovering he was deaf in one ear, he was dismissed from the military. Unable to find employment, his mother-in-law, Hazel Burgess, to become a teacher, and he studied for his teacher's certificate. He later earned his Master's degree in Education/Administration.

He married Betty Burgess, also from Castle Rock, and they had three children, Joyce, Kelly and Kevin. They raised their family in Castle Rock where Marvin worked for the Douglas County School District. He taught science at Douglas County Junior High, also becoming an assistant principal there when they moved to the new building. He spent the end of his career as the principal of Castle Rock Elementary School, and retired in 1988. He always valued education and, at heart, was a natural teacher.

Marvin lived his whole life in Douglas County. He did travel to Canada, Europe, Thailand, the Panama Canal, and much of the United States. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, horseshoes, and golf which he took up in his 70s. A crowning accomplishment was a hole in one at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course.

Marvin loved and cared deeply for the family he created. He and Betty were high school sweethearts and were married 67 years. He worked very hard to support them, often taking summer jobs painting, and even worked at the CDR Racetrack. He also transported buses with his father-in-law, Pete Burgess, who he considered his best friend.

Marvin was blessed with nine grandchildren, Lindsay, Ashleigh, Haley, Kari-Anne, Kellen, Kyle, Katie, Tyler, and Drew, as well as a bonus grandson, Nick. He loved them all and always found a way to make each of them feel special. He attended their sports, cheering them on, and taking pride in their abilities. He helped them move into their college dorms and new homes. He spent time and great patience showing them how to fish and throw horseshoes. He was their beloved "Papa". His grandchildren blessed him with eleven great-grandchildren, and two bonus great-grandchildren. He loved watching them become parents and all the joy and love the little ones brought into the family. He will be celebrated and remembered by them all.

Marvin was predeceased by his father, Henry, and mother, Lydia, as well as his brother, Vernon.

The service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, October 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Castle Rock, 1200 South Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104. Memorial donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, address above, website:fumcor.org/worship-cfm.