Paul Rudolph Mayerle, Jr.

Paul Rudolph Mayerle, a retired Denver Police Officer, died on Thursday, December 2, 2004 at his home. He was 83. He was born on May 3, 1921 in Denver, Colorado, his lifelong home. He was the second child of Paul and Jennie Mayerle. Paul grew up during the Great Depression in Globeville, a section of Denver that attracted immigrants, like his father, from Austria-Hungary. He graduated from Annunciation High School in 1939. Even as a child, his mechanical abilities became apparent as he spent hours working on cars. Upon graduation from high school, Paul went to work for Mine & Smelter. Within a few years, the US entered World War II and Paul was drafted into the US Army. He was trained as a radar technician in the Army Signal Corps and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He served his country honorably in campaigns in northern Africa, the Middle East and the Pacific from 1942-1945. Upon his discharge from the service, he returned to Colorado to find that his father had signed him up to take the qualifying exam for policemen. This set the course for the next 32 years of Paul's life. He was hired as a patrolman for the Denver Police Department on October 1, 1946 and progressed to the rank of Captain before he retired on August 15, 1978. Paul married Colleen Atkinson on June 10, 1950 and the couple was blessed with 4 children. Paul was a loving husband and father, and he always gave generously of his time and talents. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing with friends and water-skiing with family. Paul and Colleen bowled together in the Police Mixed League for years until Paul's crippled hands would not allow him to bowl any longer. He also enjoyed big-game hunting with his two sons. Paul greatly enjoyed socializing. Neighbors, family and friends were always welcome in his home. He was sought out for his advice or his mechanical abilities. He was recognized as the neighborhood handyman and had all the tools and expertise needed to get any job done. Paul and Colleen celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary before Colleen passed away in 1993. Two years later, their oldest son Dennis would lose his battle with cancer. These losses took a heavy toll on Paul and he grieved for both until his own death. He is survived by his son, Paul (Karen); and his daughters, Leanne (Mike) Harvey and Marilyn (Doug) Brader; eleven grandchildren, Michael D. Mayerle, Steven K. Mayerle, Nicholas P. Mayerle, Joshua A. Mayerle, Daniel L. Mayerle, Heather M. Mayerle, Aaron M. Harvey, Jennifer D. Harvey, Paul M. Harvey, Ryan J. Harvey, David A. Harvey, as well as two step grandchildren, Douglas R. Brader and Andrew G. Brader. He is also blessed with five great grandchildren. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 2190 S. Sheridan Blvd., on Tuesday, December 7, at 10:30 a.m. Entombment was at Fort Logan Cemetery. Contributions in Paul's memory may be given to the American Heart Association, 1280 South Parker Road, Denver CO, 80231.