Leo Clarence Hotz

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary Chapel.

Mr. Hotz was a mine inspector.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy; two daughters, Lorri Miller and Diana Pace, both of Grand Junction; three brothers, Dennis of Moab, Utah, and Robert and Delford, both of Utah; two sisters, Rhoda Jenco of Palisade and Nelda Jochim of Moab, Utah; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Roice-Hurst Humane Society, P.O. Box 4040, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

Leo C. Hotz

April 17, 1936 - March 20, 2015

Leo C. Hotz, 78, of Grand Junction, passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on March 20, 2015. He was born on April 17, 1936 to Clarence and Effie Hotz in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

After spending his childhood in Gateway and Moab, graduating in 1954 from Grand County High School in Moab, Utah he joined the United States Navy ""Seabees"" and served from 1956 - 1962.

He married his best friend and the love of his life, Peggy (Maddalone), on July 23, 1960. They enjoyed over 54 years of happiness and adventure together. They enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, gold dredging, and riding their ATV.

Leo was in the mining industry. He worked in Uranium Mines and the Potash Mine in Moab, Utah. In 1974 he moved his family to Maryville, Tennessee to start a career with the Federal Government as a mine inspector for MSHA. In 1978 he was able to transfer back west and spent the past 37 years living in the beautiful Grand Valley.

Leo had a very gentle soul and a quiet nature about him. He very much enjoyed his grandchildren and always loved the opportunity to spend a day fishing with his grandsons. He had an extra soft place in his heart for animals, especially his dog Boo Boo. To his family, he was our Hero, told the best stories, had the greatest wisdom, gave hugs like no other, and he will be missed dearly…until we meet again.

Leo leaves behind his wife, Peggy; daughters, Lorri Miller and Diana Pace of Grand Junction; grandchildren, Leo Pace, Jamie Pace, Larry Miller, Levi Miller, and Kimberly Miller of Grand Junction; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Rhoda Jenco of Palisade and Nelda (Steve) Jochim of Moab, Utah; brothers, Robert Hotz, Delford Hotz and Dennis Hotz of Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Effie Hotz.

Services, with Military Honors, to be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515 Patterson Road, Grand Junction, Colorado at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015. Memorial contributions may be made to Roist-Hurst, 362 28 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501.