Gilbert Fechner passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of December 16, 2022 in Fort Collins, CO. Gilbert had a long and rich life, passing just 4 days short of reaching 100 years old. Gilbert was a great inspiration to his family, many of his students, and his friends here in Fort Collins. Gilbert had a great love of nature and all things that were “the west”. Gilbert is now set free to join his wife, Maxine, in Heaven where they can continue their love.
Gilbert is survived by his 3 children: Dudley Fechner of Rocky Ford, CO; Jennifer Fechner (wife, Catherine Lewis and daughter, Olivia Fechner Lewis) of Berkeley, CA; and Cheryl Fechner (husband, Dougal Donaldson, daughter Callie White, and son, Alex White) of Fort Collins, CO.
Gilbert was born at home on December 20, 1922 in Wheeling, IL and was brought up in the parsonage of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church in a suburb of northern Chicago where his father was the pastor. Gilbert attended high school at Concordia Teachers College, a boarding school in River Forest, IL.
Upon graduation from Concordia in 1940, Gilbert went with his brothers on a 3-week road trip to California. They passed through Rocky Mountain National Park during the trip and that exposure to Colorado's beauty had much to do with his later decision to attend college at Colorado A&M, now Colorado State.
After that fun trip, Gilbert took a job at First National Bank in downtown Chicago, working there for 3 years. One benefit of working at that bank was that a Clark Street streetcar led directly to Wrigley Field. Gilbert went on to become a nine-decade Chicago Cubs fan, finally watching them win the World Series in 2016 - a very exciting, long-awaited moment!
After reading some books on forestry, Gilbert realized he could actually pursue a career in it. He then attended Colorado State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Gilbert arrived in Fort Collins in August 1943 after an overnight trip on the Union Pacific Railroad. The last leg of the trip was via a combination passenger/livestock train to the Union Depot on Jefferson Street.
In 1943, Fort Collins had a trolley car (five cents per ride), the population was 12,000, and there were 33 churches and no liquor stores. Tuition at Colorado State was $50 per semester, until age 21, when, upon registering to vote, tuition dropped to $25 per semester. Enrollment was about 3,500 students: a ratio of 5 males to 1 female. During the summers, Gilbert worked as a Fireguard and Seasonal Ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park. The entrance station was also his living quarters.
Gilbert graduated from Colorado State with a BS on June 13, 1947. He then accepted a job with Hallack and Howard Lumber Company in Denver. It was there that Gilbert met the love of his life, Maxine. They dated, having gone dancing at Elitch Gardens to Big Band Music. They also attended Easter Service at Red Rocks. After only 6 months, Maxine and Gilbert were married in 1948 back in Maxine’s hometown of Norfolk, NE.
In 1950, the happy couple moved to Tennessee where Gilbert worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority. It was there they adopted their first child, Dudley. In 1954, the family returned to Fort Collins where Gilbert began teaching Dendrology at Colorado A&M College. He then obtained his Master’s Degree in 1955. In 1957, they adopted their second child, Jennifer (the same year Colorado A&M became CSU). In 1962, they had their third child, Cheryl.
In 1963, Gilbert completed his work on his PHD and was awarded a permanent professorship in Forestry at CSU. Gilbert taught Dendrology and Forest Genetics for 33 years. He loved teaching and adored his many students. He celebrated their successes and always gave the advice to “keep their options open.”
Upon his retirement, Gilbert became active in the Kiwanis Club and volunteered at both Our Saviors Lutheran Church and his granddaughter’s grade school. Gilbert was a devoted golfer, hoping to play each month of the year. He also obtained 2 horses and spent time caring for and riding them. He loved the Western Heritage and owned 2 mountain properties that he visited frequently studying the flora and fauna.
“The West begins, where the pavement ends.”
A Celebration of Life will be held for Gilbert at Our Saviors Lutheran Church located at 2000 South Lemay Avenue in Fort Collins on April 21, 2023 at 10:00 am.
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