Garrett E. Morthole

Jan 8, 1923 -- Jan 13, 2010

LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- Born on the family farm west of Culbertson, Neb., on Jan. 8, 1923, to Louis J. Morthole and Agnes C. Eggeling Morthole, Garrett E. Morthole passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2010.

Garrett was preceded in death by both parents and both brothers Werner Morthole and Allen Morthole.

He is survived by his wife Virginia Sailors Morthole of over 67 years; his son, Stuart Morthole of Sacramento, Calif.; one daughter, Claudia Lantis of Aurora, Colo.; three grandsons; three granddaughters; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

He held several jobs after graduation from high school in 1940, and married Maggie Virginia Sailors of Palisade, Neb., on Dec. 20, 1942, in Denver. In June 1943, they both moved to Richland, Wash., and worked at the Hanford Engineering Works until late July 1945. After a brief stay in Washington, they returned to the Palisade area and he worked various jobs -- as a truck driver, dairy operator and salesman until January 1950. After two years installing flooring in Scottsbluff, Neb., he applied for Insurance Adjuster training in early 1952 with Service Fire Insurance Co., which became his career occupation.

They moved to their home on Lamar Street in Denver in 1969, living there for more than 40 years. For the last 10 years of his career, Virginia worked for Garrett as his secretary and they owned their own insurance adjusting company called Bear Valley Adjusters. They retired from their insurance business in 1985.

Both thoroughly enjoyed working around their home, traveling and their long membership in the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Viewing is on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 2-5 p.m., at Newcomer West Metro Chapel, 901 S. Sheridan Blvd., Lakewood, Colo.

Funeral Services will be Monday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4225 West Yale Ave, Denver, Colo. Graveside services will be at the Palisade Cemetery in Nebraska on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome for the Early Childhood Learning Center at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Newcomer Funeral Home, West Metro Chapel, in Lakewood, Colo., is in charge of the arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Herrmann Funeral Home.