Catherine "Cathy" (Litzenberger) Schlagel

Catherine “Cathy” (Litzenberger) Schlagel, 81, of Keenesburg, Colorado, passed away on January 6, 2022 in Brighton, Colorado. Her legacy of kindness and quiet courage will be remembered by her family and loved ones.

Cathy was born on May 5, 1940 in Johnstown, Colorado to Alvin “Al” and Eleanor “Jane” (Elliott) Litzenberger. The middle of three children, she enjoyed spending time with her siblings, Nancy and Neil, singing, playing the piano, visiting her Gran on the farm and attending the Longmont Baptist Church. Cathy was a talented violinist, twirler and drum majorette and graduated from Longmont High School in 1958. She spent her summers working in Estes Park and loved the mountains. She attended CSU for a semester.

In April of 1959, Cathy married Ronald Schlagel. They started their life together on an 80-acre farm on Nelson Road in Longmont. Having grown up in town, Cathy quickly learned to love farm life. To this union four daughters were born, Christie, Jill, Jennifer and Brenda. The Schlagels moved to Prospect Valley in January of 1975 following the purchase of their farm. Cathy was a dedicated mother, teaching her girls to cook, knit and sew. She supported her daughters through many activities including church, 4-H, Brownies, cheerleading, dance and sports. She was a longtime 4-H leader and loved tending to vegetable and flower gardens and cooking for her family. Cathy worked for an accountant prior to joining Citizens State Bank, where she worked for over 20 years before retiring in 2010.

One of the highlights of Cathy’s life was being a Grandma to 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren – she loved spending time with her family. She happily attended countless county fairs and 4-H events, sporting events, music programs, plays and rodeos. Cathy looked forward to celebrating birthdays and holidays with her family.

Cathy enjoyed exploring Colorado, especially trips to Estes Park, Gunnison and Breckenridge. Highlights for her were visits to Indiana, Arizona and Fargo, North Dakota. Cathy had numerous adventures traveling with her Mom, brother Neil and sister-in-law Marilyn, and especially enjoyed cruises to Hawaii and Alaska, and a trip to Disney World, which included her sister Nancy and niece Dona.

She was a member of Christ Congregational Church in Longmont, and later a member of Zoar Congregational Church in Prospect Valley. She was a member of Women’s Fellowship, Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School for many years. Her faith grew throughout her life and brought her great comfort in her later years.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents Al and Jane, brother Neil, niece Cynthia Litzenberger and son-in-law Leroy Zimbelman. Cathy is survived by her loving family including her four daughters, Christie Rupple of Keenesburg, CO, Jill Zimbelman of Prospect Valley, CO, Jennifer (Keith) Long of Mead, CO, and Brenda (Jack) Maughan of Fargo, ND. Eleven grandchildren, Paul (Amber) Rupple, Ryan (Brittney) Rupple, Chad (Krystin) Rupple, Catherine Zimbelman, Erin (Stephen) Haag, Kyle Long (Skylar), Nickolas Long (Jacey), Mark Long, Henry, Augustus and Samuel Maughan. Eleven great grandchildren, Mikayla (Brek), Leah, Ethan, Tayven, Dawson, Jensin, Heston, EmmaLynn, Corbyn and Kyndal Rupple, Cooper Zimbelman, and baby Haag on the way. She is also survived by her former husband, Ronald Schlagel, her sister, Nancy Newton, sister-in-law, Marilyn Litzenberger, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and closest friend, Mary Wafel.

A private graveside service was held for immediate family. Memorial services took place Monday, January 17, 2022 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel in Longmont, CO. Please consider a donation in Cathy's memory to the Cathy Schlagel Memorial Fund at TBK Bank-Keenesburg Branch, PO Box 299, Keenesburg, CO 80643. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.