Lauren Marie Alman

Lauren Marie Alman of Johnstown, Colorado, passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday, November 14th. Many Fort Collins and Loveland residents will remember her working the front counter at the family restaurant, Deli Works. She was “the face” of the Deli and could not be missed because of her enormous amount of curly, red hair.

Lauren was born in Highland Park, Illinois on May 24th, 1956, and was number 3 of the 9 children of Ray and Mary Ann Alman. She was a sensitive young girl and grew up to be a feisty, witty, and independent adult. She had a sarcastic sense of humor (which the uninitiated could perceive as offensive), but mostly drew them into her quirky spirit after she’d soften her comment with “Just Kidding!”

When Lauren was nine years old, her parents bought an A&W restaurant and the still growing family left the Chicago suburbs for rural life in Watseka, Illinois. Immediately, Lauren and the rest of the kids developed a work ethic, earning quarters for cleaning mugs that chilled in cold, swirling water. Customers indulged in the iconic frosty A&W Root Beer—with ice cream for extra pleasure!

Lauren graduated from Watseka Community High School in 1974 as salutatorian of her class. She then went on to graduate from the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign with a BS in Social Work. During her time spent there, she was very involved with a student-run organization called Star Course that brought big name concerts to the university. She also was a leader in the Panhellenic Council and a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority (among other activities); she simultaneously attended school full-time and worked various jobs.

Restaurant service must have been in her DNA as she and many of her siblings joined her parents at their newly opened restaurant in Fort Collins that they built and opened in 1979, which is one of the oldest family run restaurants in Northern Colorado.

About 10 years ago, Lauren started a Friday noon to 2:00 PM, local music event within Deli Works. All ages were invited to play along with all types of music, and she had a very special friendship with all those who got to know her. Lauren always had a deep love of music, including Al Jarreau, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Take 6, and many more artists.

Lauren dearly loved the special people who shared her passions. She was a well-loved sister and was like Mary Poppins to her grand nieces and nephews. Her Toyota Prius became a magical place to visit because it often contained funny stickers, little toys, stuffies, Legos and all things magical to young children.

It would be remiss not to mention her deep religious values and strong spirituality. She believed in heaven and did not fear death. She dutifully attended church almost every Sunday. Her beliefs gave her serenity when she faced challenges in her life. Lauren’s calming words could erase sadness and fear, and her smile and sarcasm lead to many belly laughs.

Lauren was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Mary Ann Alman and her niece, Janna Viehmeyer. She is survived by Gene Moore, her partner for 23 years, Gene’s children, Trina Rioux and Todd Moore, siblings Steve Alman, Debbie Alman (Curt Viehmeyer), Kris Alman (Mike Siegel), Ray Alman, Lisa Alman, Britt Alman, Karin Alman (Jim Brien) and Paul Alman. She is also survived by her nieces Meryl, Laine, Mia, Annika, Linnea, Leah and Brynn and nephews Erik, Dylan, Nathan, Michael, Alex, Cameron, David and Peter. She simply doted on them and blessed her grandnieces and grandnephews with her kindness and whimsical spontaneity. Those include Ben, Elin, Asa, Meret and Theo.

Please join us in celebrating Lauren’s love of life, family and friendship on Friday, December 1st , 2:00 PM at Allnutt Funeral Home, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins with beverages and light fare after the conclusion of Lauren’s memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, Lauren would want you to donate to some of her special causes including Hearts and Horses in Loveland, the Fort Collins Trolley, Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado, and Crossroads for Women.

If Lauren were dictating her obituary, she would convey to anyone and everyone to be loving, kind and generous. The best revenge is none. Heal, move on, and don't become like those who hurt you.

Lauren’s last quote would be “Faith over Fear”.

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Lauren, we will hold you in our hearts until we can hold you again in heaven.