Steven N. Koeckeritz

Steven Neil Koeckeritz passed away in Denver, CO on September 2, 2022, after a brief but fierce battle with myocarditis. It is a challenge to write an obituary about someone who never wanted anything to be about them. Steve was totally dedicated to creating a meaningful and happy life for those around him, which continued up until the time of his death. Steve was fortunate to be born to Walter Wilbert Koeckeritz and Evelyn Luverne Haukos on November 16, 1946, in Madison, MN. His love of nature began during his childhood years while visiting the various family farms . His family moved to New Ulm, MN where he completed high school. He then went on to graduate from St Olaf College in Northfield, MN. While at St Olaf, Steve traveled to Thailand for a semester abroad. The friendships and travel experiences from those early years remained central throughout his life.

Steve entered the Air Force through the ROTC program at St Olaf. He volunteered for Viet Nam but was put into the missile program and sent to Wyoming. He served four years as a missile launch officer at FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne. Fortunately, he said yes to a blind date with a University of Wyoming nursing student in April of 1969. He and Jane Elizabeth Large were married in Missoula, MT on January 25, 1970, and returned to Cheyenne where they began their 52 years of marriage. Stacy Lee was born at the AFB hospital in 1972. After completing his AF service, Steve began law school at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Bradley Steven was born in Boulder in 1974. While serving on the Law Review at CU, Steve developed friendships that remained strong until his death.

Steve practiced law in Brighton, CO until he and Jane saw the "Adventures of the Wilderness Family". They packed up their belongings and moved to the Crystal Lakes Subdivision in Red Feather Lakes, CO. Crystal Lakes captured Steve's heart and he spent the remainder of his life helping others reach the same dreams that had led him there. Steve started Lone Pine Realty in 1983 and was still selling real estate in the Red Feather Lakes area at the time of his death. He remained active with the governing bodies in Crystal Lakes and is recognized for his many achievements. Steve was happiest when he was outdoors and immersed in nature.

Becoming Grandpa Steve was the best thing that ever happened to him. Suni, Naya, Alex and Jack brought him immense joy. He was most joyful when he was playing with them. They all loved ATV rides, bon fires, camping, hiking, fishing, sledding, biking, skiing, floating, diving, traveling, baseball and most of all laughing. Every day was a "Zippity-Doo-Dah" day. Steve believed that travel has the unique ability to promote peace between and among peoples everywhere. He leaves behind the love of travel in his children and grandchildren. The friendships formed through travel enriched his life and were comforting at the end.

Steve's sense of humor and playful nature were keenest when surrounded by his friends. He picked friends that had "good" energy. Not always appropriate, but "good". The annual fishing trips to Metionga, Ontario, Canada as well as the annual Ironman Triathlons (eating, drinking and golf) were top on his list of getaways. Fortunately, his closest friends shared his passion for the great outdoors, sports, travel, and humor.

Steve is survived by his wife Jane, daughter Stacy (Suni and Naya) of Fort Collins, son Brad and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Cunningham Koeckeritz (Alex and Jack) of Boise, ID. He also leaves behind his brother Bill (Chris) Koeckeritz of Spicer, MN as well as a large and loving extended family and close friends. Steve was happy to leave parts of himself behind to benefit others through the Colorado Donor Alliance.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. Steve's choices are Doctors Without Borders ( https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org ) and "Education for a Bright Future-Tanzania", P.O. Box 741, Spicer, MN 56288. A celebration of Steve's life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on October 2, 2022, at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch, Red Feather Lakes, CO.