Richard Theodore Beitz

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, who entered eternal life on December 19, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on June 30, 1933, to Theodore “Ted” and Bertha “Bert” Beitz. He grew up grounded in faith, family, and the values of hard work. As a young boy, he attended Emmaus Lutheran School, where his Christian foundation was firmly planted. His childhood years in Platteville and Ault, Colorado—working alongside his father on the family farm—shaped his character and inspired his lifelong dream of farming.

In 1951, he met the love of his life, Geraldine “Geri” Weiss, and the two were married in 1953. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their four children—Richard, Katherine, David, and Timothy—The physician, the teacher, the musician, and the gardener. Their marriage of 68 years, stood as a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring love.

After graduating high school, where he lettered in football, he worked as a farmhand at Simpson Farms. Through the recommendation of Mr. Simpson, he began his long career at Mountain Bell. Starting as a lineman, he steadily advanced into management in electronic switching systems, retiring in 1985. Never one to sit idle, he later worked at MiniScribe and even drove trucks transporting harvested beets to the sugar factory.

His dream of farming never faded. In 1973, he purchased a small five‑acre mini‑farm near Firestone, Colorado, where he joyfully tended alfalfa and collected tractors with pride. He passed on the lessons he learned in his youth—discipline, perseverance, and the dignity of honest labor—to his children and grandchildren.

He was a man of many talents: a true jack‑of‑all‑trades who built his own home, wired its electricity, installed its plumbing, and kept every vehicle running with his own hands. He loved dancing with his wife to their son’s Polka Dutch Hop band and proudly called himself a “Dutch Hopper.” Above all, he remained steadfast in his faith and unwavering in his devotion to God and family.

He is survived by his four children, Richard (Valerie), Katherine (George), David (Harriett), and Timothy (Debbie); 11 grandchildren; 9 great‑grandchildren; and his three sisters, Sylvia, Marilyn, and Dorothy. He is also remembered by a large extended family and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Geri, parents, Ted and Bertha, and his sister Eugenia.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

A memorial service followed by a luncheon reception will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 10, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3000 35th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634.