Ernie Orist Julian Pelech

Ernie OJ Pelech went to the lord on January 30, 2025. He died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 92. 

Ernie is survived by his loving wife Patricia of 55 years; and his children, Kevin (Marilyn), Jeff, and Scott (Sarah). His grandchildren Molly, William, Sophia, Nicholas and Oscar. His sister in law Anne Pelech. His nephews Blaine and Joe, nieces Cindy and Claudia. His brother in laws William, Dennis, Edward and sister in law Jan. 

Ernie was predeceased by his father Nicholas and mother Anne Pelech, his daughter Sharon, his brothers Paul and Edward Pelech and sisters Sophie Timmons and Martha(Bob) McDonald. Sister in law Sandy (Dave).

He was born in Hamlin, Alberta, Canada growing up in Vilna, Alberta and later moving to Edmonton, Alberta where he graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Edmonton, Alberta. He moved to the states to obtain his teaching degree from Western State University in Gunnison, CO. He later returned to Edmonton to teach at his alma mater St. Joseph’s High School for a few years. He then returned to the states settling in Denver, Colorado where he continued teaching at Westminster High School and Westminster Career Enrichment Park. He met his wife Patricia in Denver in 1968 and began raising his family in Denver where he remained for the rest of his days.

Ernie was a devout Catholic attending daily mass until his health began to decline in the last years of his life. He was an active member of The Knights of Columbus where he forged lifelong friendships. He also was an active member of Christ the King Parish for over 50 years. Always an active person he was constantly fixing cars, doing work on the home and watching the Denver Broncos. He had a love of the game of hockey playing as a young man growing up in Canada and then following the Denver Pioneers and Colorado Avalanche.

Ernie was a devoted father and husband, who had a great laugh, a helping hand to anyone who was in need and a man who was always there for his friends and family.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we were to have Ernie in our lives, while saying goodbye to him is painful and sad, our family takes consolation that we had such a wonderful person in our lives.

Service, Saturday, February 8th, 9 am (Rosary 8:30 am), Christ the King Church, 830 Elm Street, Denver, CO 80224. Reception will immediately follow the ceremony.