Howard Marolf

Aug. 10, 1937 — June 12, 2009

MONTROSE — Howard Marolf, 71, of Montrose, Colo., passed away at 2 p.m., June 12, 2009, in the Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction, Colo.   Sharon, his wife of 46 years, and their three sons, Eric with wife Sharon and two daughters, Rachel and Kelly of Rifle, Colo.; Bruce with wife Kathy of Loveland, Colo.; Lin with wife Joy of Williamsburg, Mich., were present at the passing.  He was much loved and will be greatly missed until we meet in Heaven.

Howard was born to Roy and Sarah Marolf and grew up with brothers Everett, Edwin and sister Evelyn on their farm and ranch in Sanborn Park, Colo.  He attended school in Sanborn Park in a one-room school house which stands to this day.  Howard enlisted in the Army and received an honorable discharge from the National Guard as a Sergeant E-6.  After marrying his wife, Howard farmed near Olathe for awhile while working as a carpenter before settling on his career of choice as a heavy equipment operator. Howard worked on most of the dam construction projects on the Western Slope as well as numerous other heavy construction projects in the western states. A few weeks prior to his passing, Howard was out operating a road grader, doing what he knew and loved. He also enjoyed the hobby of restoring tractors, both for himself and others. Howard was a born again follower of Jesus Christ and enjoyed fellowship in Montrose Christian Church. He was always a good friend and a helper whenever he knew of someone in need; always a thoughtful, caring, loving, and giving person.

Surviving family members include his wife, Sharon, and their three sons, Eric (Sharon), Bruce (Kathy) and Lin (Joy).  Included also are three grandsons: Christopher (Holly), Joel and Ethan; eight granddaughters: Michelle, Sarah, Erin, Courtney, Rachel, Lauren, Kelly, and Rebecca, and two great-grand children: Elle and Kaiden. Also surviving are Howard’s two brothers, Everett and Edwin and sister Evelyn. 

We wish for any and all to contribute to Hospice, 3090 B North 12th St., Grand Junction, CO 81506, which so compassionately helped Howard’s last days to be so comfortable.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.