Frank Otto Hellwig

Frank Otto Hellwig, 95, died in care of hospice on Monday, September 14, 2020. He passed peacefully after a brief time in the hospital and rehab.

Born July 13, 1925, in Hayden, Colorado, Frank grew up in Mt. Harris, Colorado, and graduated from Hayden High School in 1943. After graduation he joined the Navy and served on a minesweeper as a diesel mechanic in the Pacific theatre. After the war, he attended the University of Colorado and received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and started working for Public Service Co. of Colorado. Living and working in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he met and married Donna Vail on June 22, 1952.

While working for Public Service Co, Frank and his family lived in Cheyenne until 1965; Leadville, Colorado, from 1966-1971; Alamosa, Colorado, from 1971-1975; and then settled in Aurora, Colorado, working as PSCo’s district manager until his retirement in 1990.

Well before, but especially in retirement, he spent countless hours assisting his family in various projects of handyman construction, woodworking, gardening, and attended every possible ballgame, recital, school play or concert—where everyone affectionately called him “Poppa”. He enjoyed traveling with Donna to places such as Europe, Egypt, China, Chile, and Panama . . . but seemed to prefer being around home and having coffee with his old work buddies. He was an active member of South Holly Baptist Church in Centennial, Colorado.

Frank will be lovingly remembered by his children Susan (Randy) Montgomery, Tim, Kurt (Michelle), Eric (Rhonda), Evan (Kelly); and his grandchildren Randa, Ryan, Ashley, Robert, Brandon, Chelsie, Rebecca,  Caitlynn, Jordan, Travis, Karl, Deric, Lily, and his great-grandchildren Silas, Eli, Lincoln, Vera, Aspen, Corinne, and William, as well as his sister-in-law Doris (Helen) and nephews Rusty, Mike and Casey and nieces Nancy, Dawnlee, Barbara and Robin.   

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Helen Hellwig, sister Margaret Wells, and wife Donna.  

Frank will be laid to rest at Fort Logan Cemetery following a private ceremony with military honors on Monday, October 5th. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a public viewing and visitation at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home located at 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood on Sunday, October 4th from 2-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be directed toward two organizations that were dear to Frank’s heart: Smile Train and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.