Bernard "Bernie" Frank Kochevar Sr.

He was born in Leadville, Colorado, on August 5, 1932 to John and Molly Kochevar. He graduated from High School in Leadville, Colorado. In 1952 thru 1954 he served in the United States Army in Korea. In 1954 he married Erma J. Roberts and they spent time living at multiple places in Leadville including 172 S. Toledo on “Chicken Hill” and then later moved into their DIY “dream home” on the Widmar ranch near Crystal Lakes, South of Leadville. Bernie worked at Climax on the concrete form crew and in the Engineering Department until he started a surveying business with his sons Frank and Dwight.

He was a founding member of the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado, a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic church and the Elks Lodge in Leadville. In the spring of 1977, Bernie and Erma with three of the younger children moved to Buena Vista, Colorado, and lived there until 1982. He continued his surveying business in Arizona and Nevada. While in Nevada, Bernie worked for PBS&J Engineering as an Engineer and eventually moved to Grand Junction where he lived for the rest of his life.

His second marriage was to Marlene in Scottsdale, AZ, on September 24, 1988.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, father and siblings Marge, Rosy, John, George, son Norvie, and daughter Kelly. He is survived by his wife Marlene, brothers Edward (Elaine) and Joe (Alexandria) and three children Frank (Jean Ann), Dwight (Linda), and Neal, in addition to five grandchildren Diedre, James, Alexandria, Lisa, Kimberly, and multiple great-grandchildren.

Services to be held on January 8th at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with a Rosary starting at Noon, and Mass at 1:00pm in Grand Junction, Colorado. Bernie will be buried at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 3:00p with the presence of an Honor Guard.