Harry E. Fehr

Harry E. “Red” Fehr, 98 years old, of Greeley, passed away at his home on June 7, 2021. Red was born October 15, 1922 in Hebron, North Dakota, to Jacob and Sofia Fehr, and grew up on a farm where only German was spoken. He learned English when he started his elementary education at a country school which he reached by horseback or walking. He graduated from Hebron High School in 1940. After graduation he drove a truck delivering bricks from the Hebron Brick Factory until he enlisted in the US Army in 1942. He joined the infantry and transferred to the Army Air Force after completing basic training. He did maintenance work on B-17 and B-25 bombers during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.

He married his first wife, Ardena Shield, in 1948, and moved to Windsor, Colorado, where he worked for Manweiler Hardware. He later moved to Greeley and began a 34-year career working as a technician for the telephone company. That employment included assignments in Wray, Akron, Sterling and Greeley. Following retirement Red established his own home repair business where his ability to fix things lead to his doing many minor repair jobs.

Red began singing in high school and enjoyed performing in a quartet that appeared at various events in the community. His love of singing was evident as he sang in many church choirs, the Greeley Chorale, and performed with the Stampede Troupe.

A passion for flying was his major hobby and he held a private pilot’s license until the age of 92. He enjoyed flying locally as well as trips to states across the plains to visit friends and family. High altitude mountain flying never appealed to him.

He was a member of the Order of the Masons and served as Worshipful Master for Century Lodge 190 in 1969.

Red married Lola Gaymon Murphy in 1972 and contributed many volunteer hours supporting her work in local, national and international nursing organizations. He loved the travel associated with those activities, but truly enjoyed road trips that took him to all the “lower 48” states.

Red was preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard Fehr; and four sisters: Elvina Weishaar, Freda Schmidt, Ruth Cloyd, and Dolores Draeb.

He is survived by his wife Lola; daughter Marlene (Van) Kratzenstein; son Duane (Ruth) Fehr, grandsons Stuart (Megan) Fehr, Kyle (Kalen) Fehr; two great grandchildren; and sisters Lillian Vinson and Marillyn Bennett. He was also loved and is survived by Dawn, Doug, Michael and Paul Legg, Cheryl, Kevin and Carly Zimmerman, and Sammie Springsteen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., at First Congregational Church, 2101 16th Street, Greeley, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to First Congregational Church or the Greeley Chorale in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.

To share memories and condolences please visit Allnuttgreeley.com.