Walter Dwight Sanburg known as “Dutch” entered eternal rest and was gloriously reunited with his beloved granddaughter Mallory, his parents, two of his siblings, other friends, family, and fellow law enforcement officers on June 19, 2021, at the age of 86.
Dutch was born on December 30, 1934, to Alice and Clifford Sanburg and was raised on the family farm/ranch. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1952. Three years later he married Dorothy Ellen Sanburg in Montrose, Colorado in 1955. Dutch and Dorothy lived all over Colorado including Montrose, Castle Rock, Yuma, Durango, and then moved back to Castle Rock in 1998.
Dutch began his long and committed career with the Colorado State Patrol in 1962. On March 29, 1982, Walter was awarded the Medal of Valor in recognition of “unusual bravery when with no regard to his personal safety, he assisted in removing one wounded civilian and two wounded police officers from an area while still under the full view and command of an armed sniper.” Dutch retired from the Colorado State Patrol in 1994 as a Captain. After retirement, he wrote an autobiography titled, “Angel Riding Shotgun” detailing the numerous accomplishments of his career and his life.
Besides being a Captain for the Colorado State Patrol, he served as the President of the 4 State Peace Officers, was on the Board of Directors for the Sheltered Workshop, and was a devout Southern Baptist.
Outside of serving his community, he enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, making his own knives, and passing his wealth of knowledge of these subjects onto his children and grandchildren. His family was his greatest accomplishment in life and always his top priority. He rode the entire Colorado Trail by horseback over several yearly trips which was always a lifelong dream of his. Dutch was always quite the character and enjoyed making those around him laugh and feel loved. He was kind-hearted and compassionate. He was always willing to do whatever he could for anyone in need. He was loyal as the day is long. A true cowboy. His children and grandchildren knew him to be the most moral, ethical, and Christian man they have ever known.
The three words that sum up the life of Walter “Dutch” Sanburg would be honor, dedication, and family.
Dutch is survived by his wife of 66 years Dorothy Sanburg and their four children Bev Sanburg, Gary Sanburg (Barb), Kim Taylor (Randy), and Tami Sanburg (Jason Locke). His twelve grandchildren Josh Funaro (Megs), Tanner Funaro, Tara Sanburg (Paul Scott), Sierra Sanburg (Travis Booth), Skylar Taylor, Ian Taylor (Gloria), Rhiannon Sanburg (Kjell Nore), Jillian Sanburg, Alyssa Erwin (James Graham), Chelsea Erwin, Maeghann Dale, Heather Henry (Kyle Henry). His sixteen great grandchildren, Isabella Maershbecker, Gavin Maershbecker, Allison Scott, Jack Scott, Bizi Larscheidt, Orion Taylor, Azrael Taylor, Camila Taylor, Issac Omans, Nic Scott, Fenrely Herrera, Darrian Herrera, Ayden Turner, Mason Henry, Connor Henry, and Cash Henry. His sister Betty Donley, numerous nieces, and nephews. Also survived by Kathy Sanburg and Ben Olson who are two other extremely important people in his life.
Dutch is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Alice Sanburg, his brother Bryce Sanburg, Sister Barb Longwell, and his granddaughter Mallory Funaro.
The family would like to thank the Colorado State Patrol for honoring Dutch with the presentation of arms and color guard. All their family and friends for their love and support. A special thanks to Gary, Rhiannon, Jillian, and Tanner who provided care in his final days. The hospice nurse Danna and Home Health Staff. Pastor Tory for providing the church and service on such a short notice. Lastly, Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Funeral Home for their assistance arranging services.
