Gerald Ernest Piotraschke

The earliest memories Gerald shared were around family, service to others, sports, and the outdoors.

One of the earliest memories was hanging out at Gates Rubber in the Carpentry shop with his Dad. There he witnessed his Dad working on a sleigh for the company Christmas party, where they would hand out Christmas gifts to the kids. Later he would get the opportunity to work and refinish the sleigh which he treasured since it was something him and his Dad had worked on. Gerald stated that his Dad taught him, “if you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.”

Gerald spoke fondly of his two brothers, Ron and Roger. There was always a sibling rivalry, but he felt it fully came between them. Gerald had a birthday party where his younger brother Roger couldn’t wait for homemade chocolate cake, so he reached in with his hand and took a chunk right out of the middle. Gerald spoke of the time the three brothers played sports together. Gerald mentioned baseball in the alley or hockey, basketball, and boxing in the backyard. He mentioned kids coming from blocks around to play. He mentioned catching for his brother Ron and how he had to put sponges in his gloves because Ron threw so hard it would make his hand numb. He also mentioned the brothers playing Youngstar Hockey together. He spoke of one of them being center the the other two being wingers and racing down the ice, or more crashing the net where they scored and Gerald ending up in the net. Whether on the ice or off, if you picked a fight or had an issue with one of the boys, you usually ended up dealing with all three. Even as they got older they would ski together; whether snow skiing at Steamboat, or water ski in the mountains or locally… they were always together in some way.

Gerald mentioned the early years during the “great depression” and the challenges of growing up. He mentioned that they always found a way to make it through…and he spoke fondly not negatively of the experiences he had. He spoke of the numerous times they would recycle, repurpose, and reuse things for themselves or others. He hand-me-down jeans that Gerald and Roger both spoke about. That’s just the way it was with 3 boys at home. Recycling and repairing old wooden “bear trap” skis, or fashioning hockey pucks from old boot heels, or fixing, repairing and creating bikes from parts that they found. He also spoke of raising chickens and vegetables locally to use and trade/barter for what they needed locally. Gerald spoke about how it was normal to repurpose things for themselves or others… it is just what they did.

Finally Gerald spoke of service. He mentioned his time in Scouts, DeMolay, Explorers and being involved with other Civic groups. First as a young person and then transitioning to youth and adult leadership. Gerald mentioned a time where he was discouraged by an adult leader at one church, so he left and instead went to the other church to help out instead. He wasn’t going to be held down by anyone’s notion that he couldn’t do it. He just overcame things and did them. He also gave others opportunities that were disqualified or discriminated against by others. He felt everyone should have a chance. He felt so strongly that he went to college as a youth leader. When called to service he then went into the United States Navy.

Even while in the Navy Gerald took the time to volunteer as a leader with Sea Scouts and taking at-risk, orphans, or children with disabilities to Disneyland through charity and service programs. Gerald spoke about the Navy often and the many friends and opportunities it provided him. He also spoke reverently of those who he left behind or paid the price. It affected him deeply.

Next to Country, Gerald valued Family above all else. After he left the Navy and found and married a nurse from Illinois, Elsie Bock in November of 1971. Gerald and Elsie wanted children but medical issues and age made things difficult. When they lost their first, Gerald spoke tenderly about them. Gerald and Elsie made sure that Christmas that all of the babies in the nursery had matching outfits. Even in that moment there was an opportunity to serve. They continued to try and by the grace of God they had 2 sons, Gary in 1973 and a surprise son Greg in 1976.

Gerald worked in construction and hardware for most of his life, while Elsie continued in nursing until she retired. Gerald later transitioned to WIS Inventory services. During his life though he continued to serve in his community. He volunteered at their church in northglenn, as a soccer coach and referee, Cub and Boy Scouts, DeMolay, and helping with their kids school programs like Marching Band. Gerald applied the same philosophies in these positions as his youth. Everyone is important and brings values and skills with them, all should be given a chance or opportunity… no matter what. You were not disqualified by skill, race, have or have nots. He was a father to those who didn’t have one, and guaranteed that money didn’t matter if you didn’t have any.

Gerald cultured the lessons he had learned regarding independence and self-confidence and tried to instill it not only in his children, but those he mentored and coached. He told us how he used to take care of his Mom when his Dad was out working or fishing. He showed us how to be a Good Dad and Husband… Mom was first, boys next, Dad last. He loved us all.

Gerald and Elsie said the next special day was when they saw their Grandchild being born. He lived for his 2 grandchildren and cherished the time he had with both, watching them grow and become great human beings in their own special ways. He will always watch over both of you.

Gerald passed Jan 4th 2023 after a long bout with illness

Gerald is survived by

• His older brother Ron Piotraschke

• His son’s and their families Gary, Greg and Sharlene

• His grandchildren Ben and Bryson

• His Nephew / Nieces, Grand Nephew / Nieces

A committal service for Gerald was held Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80235. A memorial service will occur Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Olinger Highland Mortuary, located at 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Piotraschke family.