Leonard ""Len"" Nelke

Len was born on March 6, 1939 in Thomas County, Kansas to Lena and Conrad H. Nelke. He grew up on a farm and attended schools in Angelus and Oakley, Kansas. He graduated from Oakley HS in 1957. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy on November 10, 1958. Len worked the family farm until the spring of 1965 when he and Judy and their 3 children, Debbie, Sheila and Tim, moved to Denver, CO to begin a new chapter in their lives. In this new chapter Len's career changed from growing food to a long career in the grocery business. Brian was welcomed into the family later that year. In the spring of 1966 the family moved to Northglenn, CO where they enjoyed many years and welcomed Desiree and Kent into the family. After the children graduated Len and Judy relocated to Westminster, CO in 1991. He passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on May 6, 2015. Len was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be remembered as a coach, mentor, teacher, prankster and loving husband and father. He spent many hours encouraging his children and grandchildren at their various sporting and academic events. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing penny slots in Black Hawk and watching NCIS and The Price is Right on TV. Len was a very strong and patient man who didn't hesitate to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. Len is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judith (Depperschmidt), his six children, Debra (John) Budden, Sheila (Dale) Zalewski, Timothy, Brian (Tedi), Desiree (Rick) Roberts and Kent (Myndi). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his brother Conrad J. (Nancy) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Lena and Conrad H. Nelke, sisters Mayetta Reiner and Elizabeth Nelke, brother-in-law Melvin Reiner and niece Geri Dwyer. A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at six o'clock in the evening. A rosary will follow at seven o'clock. Both will be held at Horan & McConaty family chapel, 9998 Grant Street, Thornton, Colorado 80229. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at ten o'clock in the morning at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 900 West Midway Blvd, Broomfield, Colorado 80020. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Samaritan House Homeless Shelter at www.ccdenver.org/samaritanhouse or The Denver Hospice at www.thedenverhospice.org. Please leave memories of Len and condolences for his family by signing the guest book below.