Douglas Ray Eberle, age 69, of Thornton and Redfeather Lakes, CO, passed away at Collier Hospice Center in Wheatridge, CO on July 8th, 2015. He left this life after an unexpected three week battle with cancer.
Doug was born on April 25, 1946, in Wahpeton, N.D., to Raymond Vicha and Beryl Lord Vicha. After the age of 5, Doug grew up on a ranch near Edgemont, S. D. He graduated from Edgemont High School in 1964. He married Connie Allen on June 8, 1968 in Edgemont. Doug and Connie moved to Denver in 1969, and have resided in the Denver area since then. Doug and Connie were blessed with two sons, Ryan Lee, and Jeffrey Douglas.
Doug was a good Dad and his sons carry on as strong, caring and independent men. He was always kind and accepting of his sons friends, and helped anybody who needed it. He worked hard his whole life, and took excellent care of his family. He was a selfless man, always putting the needs of his family above his own needs. Anyone who knew Doug, was richer from the experience. He made his mark on many friends and family. Doug retired from Coors (RMBC), in 2003, after 28 years as a millwright in industrial maintenance. In earlier years he had worked at other jobs, including Hazen Research, Alumet, in Golden, and Mines Development, in Edgemont. He and Connie enjoyed 12 wonderful years of retirement. They spent the first 8 years buying and selling new homes in the country, but they always missed the city. They finally got it right when they settled into a new home in Thornton four years ago. Doug also realized a lifelong dream when they bought a summer cabin in the mountains at Redfeather Lakes. There, they spent many relaxing hours enjoying the beauty of the mountains and nature, and even worked in a little fishing. Doug also had a lifelong car hobby. His beloved “55” Chevy and his 30 year hotrod project sit in his garage. His sons will finish the hotrod project in their Dad’s memory. He was a member of the NRA, Cold War Patriots, and the 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association.
Doug is survived by his wife of 47 years, Connie, sons Ryan and Jeff, his mother Beryl Eberle, sisters Teena and Jim Lynn, Carol Rumsey, brothers Steve and Debbie Eberle, and Byron and Aaron Eberle, many nieces, and a nephew, and his darling kitty, “Christmas”.
Doug was preceded in death by his stillborn son Ray Bradley, his father Ray Vicha, brother-in-law Duane Rumsey, and stepfather Jake Eberle.
A Celebration of Life for Doug will be held at Doug and Connie’s home on September 12th. Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to: Collier Hospice Center 3210 Lutheran Parkway Wheatridge, CO 80033-6019 or Almost Home Adoptions for Rescued Cats 6010 W. 88th Avenue Westminster, CO 80031.2