Kendon Olofson

   Kendon Lee Olofson was born Feb. 4, 1959, to Elton and Patricia Olofson in Julesburg. He passed from this earth July 29, 2017.
    Born into the farm life, he found a deep love for horses fostered by his grandfather that continued throughout his entire life. Never a dull moment on the farm, he spent his time helping the family with the chores, from milking cows to driving tractor. After completing his education through the Holyoke school system, he began helping Melvin Ocken with his farming operation.
    Kendon met the love of his life and best friend in 1978 and in August of 1980 married Kathleen Beavers. To this union, two children, Dane and Danielle, were born. Kendon and Kathy placed their roots north of town, taking great pride in everything about the home.
    Kendon would spend endless hours keeping the place looking sharp and transforming the house into a home. Always the perfectionist, Kendon honed his skills at woodworking and construction, doing nearly all of the work on the house on his own. Never deterred, when he could not get things just right, he would work through them until he had them just the way he wanted.
    As the children became more involved in sports, Kendon transitioned his focus as well. Kendon was afforded the opportunity to become his own operation, taking over his grandfather’s farm in 1992. He accepted a position at the Case IH dealership in the parts department in 1995, eventually becoming the parts manager. He was quick with conversation and covered every avenue possible to ensure his customers’ needs were met.
    With more time found for the kids, he would be at every game, sometimes driving hundreds of miles to catch both playing in the same day. With his time devoted in so many different directions, his time for motorcycles, woodworking and building furniture was reduced, but his love was never lost.
    Kendon always had an affinity for learning. He made learning a priority in his life and his family’s lives, whether it was formal or hands-on. He encouraged his children to work hard and learn whatever they could.
    His love for knowledge drove him to pursue a position on the local school board. He wanted to be involved in furthering the education of the young and did so by serving two terms, capped by two years as board president. His efforts were recognized by the Colorado Association of School Boards when he received the McGuffey Award in 2009.
    Kendon is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kathy of Holyoke; his parents, Elton and Patricia of Holyoke; son, Dane and wife Kallie of Colby, Kansas; daughter, Danielle of Idalia; and brothers, Jeff and wife Sharon of St. Francis, Kansas, Martin of Holyoke, and Erin and wife Claire of Greeley. Kendon also leaves behind two very special little girls, his granddaughters, Piper and Everleigh. Also special to Kendon were the numerous relatives and friends left behind.
    The memorial service was held Aug. 3 at the Holyoke United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Al Strauss. A private family inurnment followed the service at the Holyoke Cemetery.
    Charitable contributions may be made to the Kendon L. Olofson School Memorial, c/o Baucke Funeral Home, 1220 SW Interocean Dr., Holyoke, CO 80734.
    Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.