Vernon Eugene Gelroth

Vernon Eugene Gelroth, 92, formerly of Arvada, Colorado, died Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Hubbard Hill Living Wisdom Center in Elkhart, Indiana. Vernon was born November 12, 1928, in Arapahoe County, west of Littleton, Colorado, the second son of Henry & Lydia (Albrandt) Gelroth. He attended grade school in Louviers, Colorado, and graduated from Douglas County High School in Castle Rock with the class of 1946. On October 22, 1949, he was united in marriage to Virginia Carol Lowell, a union that lasted almost 65 years. He worked as a precision tool cutter & grinder for 35 years at Sundstrand Corporation in Denver, retiring in 1991. Other employers included Heckethorne Manufacturing in Littleton, Robinson Brick & Tile in Denver, and the Denver Water Board. Before retiring, Vernon began volunteer work at the Arvada Food Bank, which continued for 30 years, until he moved to Mishawaka, Indiana in 2017. A member, since 1960, of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada, he served in many capacities, including Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Group Leader, and usher. Vernon was preceded in death by his wife in 2014, son James Henry in 1958, and daughter Veona Kay in 2011. Survivors include four children: Joe and Janette (Dooley) Gelroth of Manhattan, Kansas; Carol Green of New Braunfels, Texas; Beth and Jeff Klein of Mishawaka, Indiana; and John and Melody (Bennett) Gelroth of Colorado Springs, 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a memorial service for Vernon will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Olinger Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Littleton, Colorado. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer's Association at act.alz.org