Dan Stutzman

Born in Yoder, Kansas, on March 10, 1943, he was the son of Henry and Lydia (Borntrager) Stutzman. One of six children, Dan’s early years were spent across the Midwest in Kansas, Indiana, and Illinois. After graduating from American High School in Chicago in 1965, Dan moved to Colorado—the state he loved and where he would eventually build his life.

A true jack-of-all-trades and a lifelong learner, Dan was never a stranger to hard work. His professional life was backed by a wide range of specialized education, including studies as a civil technician at Metro State College and certifications in advanced supervision from Colorado Mountain College. His expertise also extended to technical safety, having completed training at Red Rocks Community College, and he even mastered the art of barbering through the Colorado Barber College. Throughout his career, he applied his many talents to construction, oil and gas, plumbing, water treatment, and real estate.

Dan’s greatest passion, however, was building his off-the-grid home in Delta and farming his land. This project was the ultimate expression of his skills and his desire for self-reliance. He was happiest when he was working with his hands, creating a sanctuary that reflected his independent nature. Dan's passion for living the life he wanted inspired his mother to follow her passion and write a book about her own life experience.

To those who knew him, Dan was a man of quiet strength and a private person. He possessed a classic "ornery" streak that added to his charm and reflected his independent spirit. He was a man that took great pride in the hard work he did and the life he built for himself.

Dan is survived by his brother Ray Stutzman (Kathy) of High Point, NC; his brother-in-law Eli Mullett of Greeneville, TN; and his sister-in-law Sharon Stutzman of Gilbert, MN; as well as many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jay Stutzman and wife Marlene; his brother Joni Stutzman; his sister Ruby Miller and her husbands, Samuel Schlabach and Ora A. Miller; and his sister Wilma Mullett.

His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his neighbors Jerry & Dawn June, Ed & Sherri Lily, and Devin & Ashley Varner. They also wish to thank the staff at Crossroads Senior Living in Delta and at Poudre Canyon Health and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Collins, as well as those at Canyon Home Care & Hospice.

No services are planned at this time. Per his wishes, his ashes will be scattered into the wind on his property, near the home he built and loved.