Arlen Debus
Arlen Dean Debus, a longtime resident of Haxtun, died July 19, 2020, in Haxtun at the age of 88. Arlen was born March 4, 1932, to Philip and Catherine Constance Debus in Haxtun.
He attended elementary and high school in Crook, graduating in 1950. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 16 at the German Congregational Church, now the United Church of Crook.
He attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling and Colorado A & M University in Fort Collins and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley with a degree in education. Upon graduation, Arlen toured the eastern half of the United States with a college buddy, sleeping in horse barns along the way.
Arlen married the love of his life, Kathryn Leffler, on Aug. 2, 1959, in Greeley. They were the parents of three daughters: Marsha, Janette and Colleen. He began his teaching career at Wauneta, Nebraska, where he taught and coached at the high school level. In 1961, the family moved to the family homestead where they lived and farmed in Crook. In 1976, Arlen returned to teaching in Haxtun, where he taught and coached at the junior high level.
After 13 years, Arlen’s health and loss of hearing forced him to retire from teaching. His time quickly became occupied with what he loved most — helping local farmers with their farming operations. During his retirement years, Arlen and Kathryn hosted three high school exchange students from Mexico. Having developed a strong bond with Alex, Jorge and Oscar, they traveled to Mexico to meet their families.
Arlen was an avid sports lover, attending any game he could find. He loved watching the Haxtun Bulldogs long after his grandchildren were out of school. Even though it was evident his glaucoma was hindering his ability to see, he could be seen shuffling up the stands and at times could be seen driving across the school lawn trying to park his van. He and Kathryn were honored to be chosen as super boosters by the Haxtun Booster Club in 2001.
Arlen also loved to travel. He and Kathryn were fortunate to have taken a slew of road trips, many times with each of their daughters’ families.
He also loved to golf and spend his free time each summer at the golf course. It was a joy for him to teach and take his grandchildren to the golf course as often as he could until his health made it difficult for him to enjoy the sport anymore.
Buddy, as he was known to his family, loved farm life and agriculture in general, but above all, his wife and family were the most important to him. He was a dedicated father and husband, being the caretaker of his wife Kathryn for 11 of the 18 years she was a paraplegic after suffering a massive stroke shortly before their 44th wedding anniversary. He was truly a loving husband, honoring his wife with their wedding vows of “in sickness and in health, till death do us part.”
The past three years, Arlen faced many health challenges from his Parkinson’s, diabetes and dementia, causing him to lose his eyesight and hearing, eventually making the final move from his home to the extended care unit in Haxtun where he was able to spend his final days next to his beloved bride prior to her death. Even though he always wanted to go home, Arlen remained faithful and always said he lived a blessed life.
Arlen is survived by his daughters, Marsha Hagemeyer and husband Dennis of Haxtun, Janette Michel and husband Gary of Atwood, and Colleen Lockwood and husband Rick of Haxtun; grandchildren, Alison Michel of Atwood, Jordan Hagemeyer and wife Taylor of Sidney, Nebraska, Andrew Michel of Atwood, Kaitlin Hiller and husband Kirk of Haxtun, and Karci Mattson and husband Geoff of Grand Junction; great-grandchildren, Palmer Brook and Ian Hagemeyer of Sidney and Hallie Hiller of Haxtun; sister, Betty Norden and husband Roy of Fort Collins; sister-in-law, Judy Debus of Sterling; brother-in-law, Walter Amen; stepsisters, Cordelia Broman and Donna Busch of Lincoln, Nebaska; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arlen was greeted in heaven by his loving wife, Kathryn. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Catherine; father, Philip; stepmother, Rachel; sister-in-law, Louise Amen; stepsister, Beverly Culp; brother-in-law, Roland Kissler; sister-in-law, Mary Kissler; and brother, Arthur Debus.
A private family graveside service was held July 25 at the Haxtun Cemetery. A public memorial service was held Aug. 3 at Haxtun Berean Bible Church, with Pastor Eric Wait officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Arlen’s honor to the American Diabetes Association.
Baucke Funeral Homes and Monuments was in charge of arrangements.