Elaine Lichtenwalter

Elaine G. Champion Lichtenwalter passed away on April 10, 2022 at the Gardens of Columbine Assisted Living in Littleton, Colorado. She was 95.

Both her parents grew up in the little mountain town of Como, CO. It was primarily a mining and railroad community circa 1880-1910. Her father began his work for the railroad there. Her mother learned to play the piano well enough to play with a violinist for many of the town dances there in Como, as well as in other mining areas in the vicinity. After her parents were married they made their home in Northwest Denver on West 35th Avenue, where she was born on May 10, 1926.

She had a brother (George Jr.) and a sister (Dorothy), who were both much older. Because of that she functioned more like an only child and did many things by herself, one of which was spending time at the piano. Elaine had her first piano lesson when she was eight years old. Until that time she had been playing the piano by ear. This was likely the result of listening to others play and listening to music on the radio. She knew many of the popular songs of the day just by what she had heard. All of her relatives living in the Denver area provided a built-in audience. They were always willing to listen to her playing and they seemed to have a great interest in what she was attempting to do.

Following elementary school, her note reading was improving and she began to develop her musicianship. She did accompaniments for music classes and the school orchestra. In addition, she accompanied friends presenting programs for church groups, clubs, etc. Her music teacher in junior high realized that she had perfect pitch and was quite proud to show off her talent by having her sing the starting note for choir performances.

In eighth grade, she began studying with Andrew Riggs, a member of the piano faculty at the Lamont School of Music, who became her most memorable teacher. Thanks to his patience, she became willing to do some disciplined practice. At his suggestion, she attended the Summer Master Classes at the Lamont School, conducted by Josef and Rosina Lehvine. She remembered what a privilege it was to be there as a listener. She graduated from North High School in Denver in 1944.

After high school, she wished to continue with music in college and enrolled at the Lamont School which had recently become the Music Department of the University of Denver. At the University of Denver, she studied with Dr. Iliff Garrison during her freshman year and completed her remaining three years with Andrew Riggs, following his return after the end of the war. She graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in 1948 and her Master’s Degree in 1952.

Upon receiving her Bachelor's Degree, she became a member of the piano faculty at the Lamont School of the University of Denver. She taught both college students and other students of all ages. Among the college students she met the wonderful person who would later become her husband, Donald Lichtenwalter.

Donald returned to DU to complete his education upon finishing military service as a second lieutenant with the US Army Air Forces during World War II. In his last term he decided to take an elective class in piano. The teachers’ names were listed in the course catalog and the name Champion appealed to him because it sounded like a “nice masculine name.” As it turned out, the piano teacher’s full name was Elaine Champion. Don’s piano lessons eventually ended, but not the association. After a great first date at a DU football game, Don and Elaine eventually married a year later on December 17, 1950. They were married for 62 years. Elaine remained on the DU faculty until 1958, when her daughter Kay was born.

In 1964, Elaine established a piano studio in her home, teaching until 1996. She was the piano teacher for many of the children in the neighborhood. During her years as an independent music teacher, she became active in the Denver Area Music Teachers and the Colorado State Music Teachers Associations. She was also a member of the Taussig Piano Club, an elite group of around 30 pianists, established in 1913. Elaine continued to do many different types of accompaniment with the most special, she said, being for her violinist daughter. In addition, she continued to accompany the adult choir at her church.

In her later years, Elaine and her friends from church enjoyed taking classes from the Emily Griffith Opportunity School, including flower arranging and various cooking classes. Even before she took any classes, Elaine was always a splendid cook and enjoyed providing a sumptuous feast at every holiday meal. At Christmas she made at least a dozen different kinds of cookies, which friends, neighbors, and family alike eagerly anticipated each year. Don was also quite fond of another one of her specialities, cakes. He would utilize every opportunity he could for her to bake one. Don was employed as a Rate Administration Director with the Public Service Company (now Xcel Energy) in downtown Denver from 1949 until he retired in 1987. Don and Elaine enjoyed many fun associations and outings with friends in the Public Service Company Camera Club.

Following Don’s passing, Elaine spent the last seven years at the Gardens of Columbine Assisted Living in Littleton. Her sweet nature endeared her to the staff who came to be like part of her family. Above all, Elaine was a wonderful daughter, loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, loyal friend, neighbor, and dedicated caregiver to many family members. She was a superb pianist, accompanist, teacher, and a person of uncommon kindness, grit, friendliness, and creativity. She is survived by her daughter, Kay (Ray), granddaughter Camille, and niece JoAnn (Roger).

Graveside Service Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 10:00 am, Fort Logan National Cemetery, area A.

Memorial Service and Reception Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 11:00 am, Atonement Lutheran Church, 6281 West Yale Avenue, Lakewood, CO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elaine’s name to Atonement Lutheran Church Music Ministry, 6281 W Yale Ave, Lakewood, CO 80227.