Paul Blumenstein, Jr.

Dave Blumenstein was born in  Eugene, Oregon on July 19, 1949 to Paul and Ilene Blumenstein.  He grew up in Eugene, Oregon attending Floral Hill Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and graduated from South Eugene High School in 1967.  After high school, he journeyed to Colorado attending the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado and graduated with a Mining Engineering degree in 1971.  He earned his Masters Degree in Industrial Hygiene at the University of Oklahoma in 1974.  Dave continued to be a lifelong learner.  He enjoyed studying, researching, and reading everyday while sharing his knowledge  and “bits of wisdom” with his friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren.

During Dave’s sophomore year of college he met Janet Hansen, from Exira, Iowa, who was attending the University of Northern Colorado.  They dated throughout college and were married August 26, 1971.  Following Army Officer training school in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, they returned to Colorado and shortly afterward made their permanent home in Conifer where he lived since 1975.  There, Dave and Janet raised their two children Heidi Marie Haggenjos and Eric Paul Blumenstein.  Together they enjoyed over 51 years of a blessed and loving marriage in their beloved mountain home and community.  Whether working or relaxing, Dave was always at peace and loved his time at home.

Dave worked his entire career  for the Mining Safety and  Health Administration (MSHA) in Lakewood, Colorado where he mentored many new engineers.  During his time with MSHA, he traveled through the United States to numerous mining sites, as well as furthering safety regulation work in Washington DC.  The emphasis of his career focused on health and safety because he wanted to make a difference.  In retirement, he continued educating U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel in Health and Safety through the Colorado School of Mines.

Dave and Janet enjoyed traveling throughout the world, but he especially loved Mexico and Newport, Oregon, and traveling with family and friends.  While in his element,  Dave enjoyed relaxing, watching old westerns and ME TV, cheering for the Denver sports teams, golfing, reminiscing, and spending time with all the family.  His favorite pastime was spending time with his family, especially Heidi, Eric and his grandchildren.  He was so proud of Heidi and Eric’s positive accomplishments in life.  Family holidays, events and trips, all kinds of ball games, recitals, school functions, spelling bees, track and swimming meets, playing ball with his “kids”or just going to the park to play were all where Papa/Grandpa wanted to be because they were all important and he was so proud of ALL his grandchildren.

While living in Conifer the past 48 years, he was a member of Lutheran Church of the Cross and presently Evergreen Lutheran Church. He was actively involved with both churches and with various clubs,  sports activities, and organizations in the mountain community. He will be remembered for his kind and gentle ways as well as his giving and caring nature. If you knew Dave, consider yourself blessed.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter  Heidi (Chris) Haggenjos; son, Eric (Katherine) Blumenstein and six grandchildren: Zachary, Blake, Mason and Hailey Haggenjos and Andrew and Elizabeth Blumenstein; brothers and sisters: Steve (Kim) Blumenstein, Mike (Phyllis) Blumenstein, Toni Stuart, Sheri (Brett) Hestmark, Lois Vargas, Eunice Grugan, Patti (Jim) Frederiksen and many nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles.  He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Blumenstein; mother, Ilene Blumenstein; step-mother, Lois Blumenstein; mother-in-law, Darlene Hansen and brother-in-laws, Richard Hansen, Forrest Grugan and Tony Stuart.

The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 am at Evergreen Lutheran Church; 5980 Hwy 73, Evergreen, CO 80439.  A picnic will follow at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations will be given to Dave’s favorite charities and missions.