Jim Kerstiens

Jim Kerstiens was born on August 17, 1936, at his family farm in Lakewood, Colorado. He graduated from Alameda High School and soon left Colorado to serve in the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he traveled through Europe and in 1958 enjoyed the World's Fair in Brussels, Belgium. He left the Army in 1959 and returned home to Colorado. On June 3, 1961, Jim married Loretta Mae Babish of Denver, Colorado. Together they raised six children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Lynette & Mitch Smith, Levi, Mara & Kyle; Shane Kerstiens & Bonnie Douglas, Charlie, Cassiday & John Jones, Morgan & Homer Ortiz, Rocky & Rush, Chance & Quaid; Renee & Sam Hartman, Sami Jo, Ashley & Zachary; Stacy & Jim Allen, Madison & Sheridan; Cory & Rick Kastle, Nick; and Shannon & Richard Rizzi. His first priorities were his family and his faith. He was a self-made man and was a master of his trade installing flooring and countertops. He also loved to be outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed catching brown trout out of the Blue River on his property in Kremmling. Upon retiring he helped build his house and enjoyed family poker nights, watching his grandkids play sports, horse shoes, telling stories, and visiting with family and friends. Jim was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. Those who knew him will forever love, respect, and cherish him. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from 5-6 PM with Recitation of the Rosary at 6 PM, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, Colorado. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 10 AM, St. Mark Catholic Church, 3141 West 96th Avenue, Westminster, Colorado. Interment with Military Honors immediately follows at 12:15 PM, Fort Logan National Cemetery, Area ""C"", 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. Greeting and luncheon reception will follow services. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Catholic Church, 3141 West 96th Avenue, Westiminster, Colorado 80031. Please share your memories of Jim and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.