Del Norte- Lifetime Del Norte resident John Harold Gjellum, 81, passed away on Sunday February 17, 2013 at the Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 6, 1931 to Dr. Arthur and Violet Gjellum in Del Norte, Colorado. John played football for Fort Lewis College and his team was invited to play in the Little Rose Bowl. He was later inducted into the Fort Lewis College Football Hall of Fame. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 101st airborne division. He married Libby McDowell in 1954 in Kentucky.
John was a member of the Pioneer United Church in Del Norte, he was a Del Norte Bank board member for 40 years, a member of the Del Norte Potato Growers Board of Directors for 38 years and a member of the Del Norte school board for 8 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially attending his grandkids activities. He cherished the time he spent teaching all of his grandkids to shoot guns and drive. John was an avid hunter, gun enthusiast, enjoyed playing cards, traveling, spending time at the family cabin, and he loved the coffee club. He was loved by all for his sense of humor and the stories he shared. He is survived by his wife Libby Gjellum of Del Norte, his children Bob (Pam) Gjellum of Del Norte, JoAnn (Mike) Crownover of Pueblo, Colorado and John S. (Kristi) Gjellum of Littleton, Colorado along with four grandchildren; Dustin (Chelcie) Gjellum , Krista Gjellum, Jolynn Crownover all of Denver, Colorado and Jamie Crownover of Fort Rucker, Alabama and his brother George “Bob” (Dorothy) Gjellum of Arvada, Colorado.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Art and Jim Gjellum and his sister Betty (Stan) Cook.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday February 23, 2013 at the Pioneer United Church in Del Norte. In lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Pioneer United Church and may be made in care of the funeral home.
To sign the guest book or leave condolences for the family please visit www.rogersfunerals.com
Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements.