Jim Fender

James “Jim” Frank Fender, 89, of Windsor, Colorado, formerly of Ovid, Colorado passed away on October 26, 2026, in Fort Collins. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on November 6, 2026, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor, with inurnment to follow on a later date at the Ovid Cemetery.

Jim was born on December 7, 1936, in Ovid, Colorado, to Russell P. and Isabelle (Herfert) Fender. Growing up on the family ranch and farm, he developed a lifelong passion for horses and a deep devotion to the rural community. After graduating from Ovid High School in 1954, Jim studied accounting at Barnes Business College in Denver.

In 1955, Jim began working at the Farmers Elevator Company of Ovid and eventually became a co-owner, a position he held with immense pride until he retired in 2001. Throughout his career, he valued the lasting relationships he built with local farming families.

On January 26, 1963, Jim married Marilyn Gerk at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Julesburg, Colorado. Together, raised four daughters: Carla, Ronda, Julia, and Tricia, and cherished spending time with his family.

A dedicated community leader, Jim generously gave his time to numerous agricultural, utility, healthcare, and civic boards. His service included leadership with the Poudre Valley REA, Western United Electric Board, Highline Electric Association, Rotary, South Reservation Ditch Co., Lower South Platte Water Conservancy Board, Sedgwick County Hospital and Nursing Home, and the Colorado Grain and Feed Association, through which he worked tirelessly to serve the industries and neighbors in his community.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn; their four daughters and their families: Carla (Robert) and sons Zach and Dominic; Ronda (Warren) and children Emily (Chad), Savannah (Josh), Shane, and Storm; Julia and children Allie (Matt) and Trevor; and Tricia (Geoff) and sons Sam and Max; as well as his great-granddaughters, Ella and Stella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Isabelle Fender, his sister, Delores Christner, and his brother, Donald Fender.

A cowboy at heart, Jim will be fondly remembered for his steadfast commitment to the farming community, his civic spirit, and his abiding love for his family.