http://www.crematecolorado.com/

Alternative Cremation, 2377 North Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO (2025)

11/22/2025

Elaine Filkoski (Bernard, Elgart)

May 2nd 1964 – November 5th 2025

Elaine was born in Northbridge Massachusetts to Jean and Claire (Poulin) Bernard. She grew up with her older brothers Michael (Michelle) and Paul (Jeanne), and her baby brother Peter. She is preceded in death by her parents, son, and father of her children. Elaine passed away peacefully in her home after a long battle with her health.

After graduating high school, Elaine knew where she wanted to be! She began her life in Colorado Springs, Colorado. There she met her first husband and father of her children, Jeffrey Elgart. They had two children together. Matthew Elgart and Laura O’Shell (Elgart).

Elaine worked in several interesting jobs including The Comedy Corner, Manager at EB Games, US Olympic Center, Lowes, and more. She truly was someone who knew a little about a lot of things. Due to ongoing health issues, she was forced to give up working and become a stay-at-home mom. She was loving, passionate, strong, always stayed true to herself, and stood her ground!

Elaine and Jeff divorced but remained close friends until his passing. She married Ron Filkoski in 2014 and resided in Fountain Colorado.

She loved to garden, read, to do puzzles, games, and paint. She enjoyed camping, being in the outdoors, and caring for her animals. She loved her family and enjoyed being close with her grandkids.

Left to cherish her memories are her brothers, her husband Ron, her daughter Laura (Kelly) O’Shell, her daughter in Law Carol (Tony) Elgart and all her grandchildren (Riley, Haley, Piper, Axle, Timmy, Emelia, Jakob, and Mackenzy.

11/17/2025

Richard (Riko)(Rick) Louis Maez was born 11-24-1951 entered into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ on 11-12-2025. He lived life to the fullest, he fought the good fight, he finished the race. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 . He was a disabled veteran who loved his Broncos, jazz music and his family & friends dearly. He was an accomplished bass player before his accident. He will be truly missed.

11/13/2025

Philip J. Appelhans
April 27, 1954 – November 6, 2025

Philip “Phil” J. Appelhans was called home to be with the Lord on Novem
ber 6, 2025, at 2:37 p.m. He was born on April 27, 1954, in Sidney, Nebraska, to John and Learra Appelhans.

Phil is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Katy) Appelhans, and his daughter, Sheena Berry. He was a proud grandfather to Hannah (Zach) Simonds, Madeline Appelhans, Felicity Appelhans, and Clara Appelhans, and a great-grandfather to Genevieve Simonds. He also leaves behind his sister, Laura (Ron) Overeem, and brother, Patrick (Baerbel) Appelhans.

Phil will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a devoted father, brother, and loving grandfather whose love, humor, and kindness touched many lives. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls"
— Matthew 11:28–29

11/13/2025

Charlie Wayne Cooper, age 70, peacefully passed away and entered the presence of the Lord on November 9, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Born on May 12, 1955, in Aynor, South Carolina, Wayne was the son of the late Charlie and Thelma Cooper. He graduated from Airport High School in 1973 and went on to earn a degree in Accounting from The University of South Carolina in 1977.

Wayne dedicated 28 years to Loxcreen Manufacturing and was a longtime member and former Deacon of Congaree Baptist Church. He had a lifelong passion for baseball, working on cars, building and fixing things, playing the guitar, and cheering on his South Carolina Gamecocks. He especially enjoyed watching his granddaughter play field hockey. Guided by his mentor, James Daniel Smith, Wayne’s curiosity, steady presence, and commitment to learning left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Wayne’s legacy lives on through his children, Kathleen (Charlie) Blanch of Phoenix, Arizona, and Daniel Cooper of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his beloved grandchildren, Kimber and C**t Cooper; his brother, Billy (Suzanne) Cooper; and his sister, Becky (Ronnie) Sharpe. He is also lovingly remembered by Lisa, Pam, and Stephanie, along with many extended family members and friends.

Wayne will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his unwavering faith and love of family and music.

11/12/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael B Lang, who left this world peacefully on October 23, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on June 4, 1947, Michael lived a life defined by strength, ingenuity, and quiet generosity.

A proud disabled military veteran, Michael served his country with honor and courage. Even after his service, he continued to embody the values of resilience and dedication in every aspect of his life.

Michael had a true gift for
tinkering and building — there was never a project too small or a broken thing he couldn’t bring back to life. His workshop was a reflection of who he was: thoughtful, patient, and always ready to lend a hand or share a clever solution.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, steady presence, and the deep care he showed to his family and friends. Those who knew him best will forever treasure the lessons he taught — to stay curious, to keep one’s hands busy, and to find joy in creating.

Michael’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the many things he built, both with his hands and his heart.

11/07/2025

Charles (Chuck) L.R. Mattson Jr., 73, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at his home in Colorado
Springs, Colorado.
Chuck was born on May 10, 1952, in San Diego, California, to Raymond and Betty Mattson. As the son of a
military family, he spent his childhood traveling across the United States with his parents and his brother, Bill.
After graduating from high school, Chuck proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years.
Following his service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado. Chuck’s
early career included serving as a Teller County Commissioner in Colorado. A lifelong entrepreneur and small
business owner, he was the proud publisher of the Ute Pass Courier, Black Forest and Cripple
Creek newspapers. He also spent many years as an editor with Shepard/McGraw Hill Publications and later
founded his own publishing company—a venture he deeply enjoyed.
On October 16, 1982, Chuck married the love of his life, Wanda. Together they raised their son, Daniel. Chuck
was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. After becoming a grandfather, he embraced his role as “Papa”
wholeheartedly. He was endlessly proud of his grandchildren—Tyler, Ryleigh, and Avery—and cherished
every moment spent with them.
Chuck had many passions beyond work and family. A dedicated sports enthusiast, he especially loved baseball
and tennis, and in his younger years, he was an avid snow skier. He also had a deep appreciation for the water
and was an expert sailor, spending many happy days navigating boats with ease. He loved to travel, was an avid
reader, and found joy in learning new things. Chuck was also a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of
Colorado Springs, where he found community and purpose.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 43 years, Wanda; his grandchildren, Tyler, Ryleigh, and Avery; and many
loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Betty; his brother, Bill; and his son, Daniel.
Chuck was a man of deep faith and heartfelt convictions—always thoughtful, always true to what he believed.
With a sharp mind and a gift for words, he expressed himself with clarity and passion. He loved his country,
cherished his family, and stood by his friends with unwavering loyalty. At family gatherings, he always had a
way of making everyone laugh, bringing warmth and joy to those around him. Those who knew him will
remember not just what he believed, but the strength and sincerity with which he lived his life.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family kindly requests no flowers.

11/07/2025

Patricia Anne Russell, 91, passed away at Springs Ranch Memory Care, Colorado Springs, on October 6, 2025.

Born in Warsaw NY to Earl Chester and Ethel May (Fullington) Newland on January 3, 1934, she spent her early years in Upstate New York.

Pat was married for 69 years to John Edwin (Eddie) who preceded her in death on March 4, 2023. John’s work in road and bridge construction took them to many places in the US Northeast where Pat made each place “home”.

She was a devoted mother to their children, Douglas John (wife Penny) of Harpursville NY and AnnMarie Beaulieu (husband Lynn) of Colorado Springs and grandma to their 2 grandsons Douglas Jr. of Harpursville and Nicholas Beaulieu of Seattle WA.

Pat is survived by her siblings Gail Johannes (Robert) of Gainesville NY, Sally Capwell (Allen) of East Bethany NY, and Gerald Newland (Ruth) of Summersville WV.

Pat was a talented seamstress, knitter and needleworker. She always nurtured a beautiful flower garden and welcomed all manner of wildlife to her backyard.

Pat is now happily reunited with her cherished dalmatian, Brigitta, who was her constant companion and source of joy and comfort during life’s challenges.

In accordance with Pat’s wishes, there were no services.

We are forever grateful to Miss Pat’s caregivers who provided such great care during her final months.

11/04/2025

Allen Joseph Malinoski
April 19, 1992 – October 22, 2025

Allen Malinoski, 33, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away suddenly on October 22, 2025.
He was born in Nuremburg, Germany to Michael Malinoski and Krista (Venuto) Blocher, and spent childhood moving around from Germany to Kentucky, and then on to New Hampshire, Texas, Hawaii, Colorado Springs, and Maryland with his brother Aaron. After graduating from Edgewood High School, he moved back to Colorado Springs. There he lived with his Mother, Stepfather Josh, his brother Wess-Lei, and sister Reina.

Allen was a bright spot in the lives of many. He was a sweet and gentle soul with a sunny disposition. He enjoyed every day and would sign off his texts with “I will have a good day.” He was an avid walker, making several treks a day. He loved all things WWE, Pokémon, Dragonball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh, Simpsons, the Rock, John Cena, LeBron James, and Aaron Rodgers. He enjoyed going to the movies and knew the dates of movie premieres and planned his days around them. He listened to all types of music as long as it had a good beat. If he was tapping his fingers, you knew he liked that one. He was always up for any kind of adventure.

He was predeceased by his grandmother Donna Castonguay (nee Young). Surviving him is his mother Krista Blocher (Josh) of Colorado Springs; his father Michael Malinoski (Susan) of Elkton, MD; and his siblings Aaron Malinoski (Caitlyn) of Stillwater, OK; Wesley and Raina Blocher of Colorado Springs, CO; Donald Baker of Edgewood, MD; and Rachel Peisinger of Dundalk, MD; as well as numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be to:
Special Olympics Maryland, 3701 Commerce Drive #103, Baltimore, MD 21227
• If sending a check: Memo: Allen Malinoski or SOMD Cecil County
• support.somd.org/give/234260/ #!/donation/checkout
Or
Donations Processing Center, Autism Speaks, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037
• tinyurl.com/AllenM2025_

10/29/2025

Norma C. Jordan passed away peacefully at home in Colorado Springs surrounded by her family on October 15, 2025 at the age of 90. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, Tita (Aunt) and recently a new great-grandma.

She was known for her indomitable spirit, her love of family, frugal nature and “common sense”. She was an amazing cook and happiest when she was feeding her family. Often found chasing grandkids around with a spoon, food was definitely her love language but playing mahjong was her passion. Anyone who knew her understood that Wednesday was sacred mahjong day and she played to win!

Norma was born in Kabakalan, Negros Occidental, Philippnes to Simplico Chua and Concepcion Geva Chua on June 6, 1935. She survived challenging years during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in WWII and went on to graduate from the Central Philippine University with a Nursing degree in 1959. She found the operating room to be her calling shortly after graduation but soon jumped at the opportunity to work as a private duty nurse traveling the world.

She bravely chose to immigrate to the U.S. in the mid 1960s in hopes of finding a better life with more opportunity here. This opened the door for future generations to follow. She landed in Chicago, returning to the O.R. at Columbus Hospital, and met her late husband Edward, who had been volunteered to help her move one Saturday. Married in 1970, they left the city for a quieter place in Des Plaines where they raised their two children and lived for more than 50 years. Through their incredible hard work and determination they designed and built their home, taking 3 years to complete the project.

Norma is survived by her daughter Susan Jordan, three grandchildren Ryan (Micahela), Kyle (Cienna), and Katelynn Wertz. She was preceded in death by her husband (Edward), son (Kenneth) and siblings (Joaquin, Adrien, Ramon, Salome, Aurora, Elena and Tessing).

Her greatest joy in her last few weeks was the precious time she spent napping and cuddling with her great granddaughter, Talia. That smile she wore will be a lasting memory for many. Norma’s strength, courage, and willingness to always lend a hand to those she loved will be deeply missed. Her memory will be cherished and her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Loved
Respected
Remembered

A Celebration of Life will be held for Norma at the Friendship Park Conservatory in Des Plaines, IL on November 15th from 11-2pm. Service starts at noon. Lunch to follow.

10/29/2025

On October 27, 2025, Diana Ruth (Sanner) Francese passed away peacefully with family by her side. Born in Burbank, California, Diana spent her youth in Toms River, New Jersey. Inspired by John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High”, she moved west to Colorado in 1974. There she met the love of her life, Tom Francese, in 1978. They were soon married, and together they raised a family.
Diana was an avid Colorado history enthusiast and gave back to her community through years of volunteering at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, the Colorado Pioneers Museum, and the Colorado Springs Gazette Back Pages. An accomplished crafter and seamstress, she shared her skills and creativity with close friends. Her most recent joy was being “Meema” to her grandson, Korben.
Diana is survived by her loving husband, Thomas “Tom” Paul Francese; her children, Sarah Ann (Francese) Nejtek (Jacob “Jake” Nejtek), Eric Thomas Francese, and Renee Rose (Francese) Richards (J. Luke Richards); her grandson, Korben Gaius Nejtek; her sister, Cynthia Alice (Sanner) Cohan; and her nieces, Catherine Louise Cohan and Suzanne Elaine Cohan. Diana was preceded in death by her parents Edna Claire (Barnett) Sanner, and Sydney Newton Sanner; and her sister Janice Elaine (Sanner) Merriman.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made in her name to Care and Share Food Bank, the Pikes Peak Region Humane Society, or Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care. Diana’s family will hold a private remembrance; no public memorial is scheduled.
A bright light in the lives of many, Diana will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
“The Colorado Rocky Mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
You talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky Mountain high”

10/29/2025

Donna K Fults
On October 25, 2025, Donna K Fults went to be with our Lord.
She was born on Thanksgiving day in 1939. She was raised on a farm/ranch east of Simla, Colorado. Her parents, A.R. Tipton and Mary G. Tipton, raised four children while farming and ranching. They were meticulous with their operation and taught their children how to work hard, love the land, and pray for good weather.
After raising her children: Darlene Jeanne Madewell-Amaral (Jerry), Dorene Renee Morehead (Kevin), Donette, Eugenia Laird (Dale), DaLinda Kaye Mikkelsen (Jim), Devin Lael Hamilton, she chose to return to school. Rather than a field in farming/ranching, she chose a field in drug and alcohol dependency, and later a drug and alcohol counselor.
She loved each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved to sing, play darts, dance, yodel, whistle, visit with neighbors, and pray.
Amen

10/29/2025

Robert Eugene Abila
November 30, 1954 - October 12, 2025

Robert Abila, a devoted family man, firefighter, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at the age of 70, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on November 30, 1954, in Redwing, CO. Robert lived a life full of passion, service, and unbreakable spirit, leaving a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Robert's greatest joy was his family. He cherished every moment with his loved ones, his sons, and especially his grandsons, whom he adored spoiling with stories, laughter, but more importantly his invaluable time and endless affection. Whether gathered around the dinner table or cheering from the sidelines, Robert's love for his loved ones was the heartbeat of his world. He was also a great and dear friend to so many others.

Robert was an adventurer, he found solace and thrill in the open road on his Harley-Davidson, cruising through winding mountain passes with the wind in his hair and a smile on his face. He was equally at home at the lake, casting his rod as the sun goes down, where patience and quiet reflection were his faithful companions. A die hard Denver Broncos fan, Robert never missed a game.

Robert's commitment to service defined much of his professional life. He proudly served 30 years with the Colorado Springs Fire Department, rising through the ranks as a firefighter, driver, lieutenant, and mentor to countless rookies. His bravery in the face of danger, coupled with his calm demeanor and quick wit, saved lives and inspired a generation of first responders.

Robert is survived by his loving sons Taze (wife Alissa) and Clint Abila; Grandsons Tavian, Lil Taze, Aiden, Ashton & Cameron Abila; Brother Larry Abila and Sister Darlene Bilyeu; Sweetheart LaDonna Cates and a host of extended family, friends, and fellow firefighters who will forever remember his infectious smile and generous heart. He was preceded in passing by his parents Joe Ben Abila and Maria Dee Abila; Brothers Ben and Jerry Abila; Sisters Annabelle Applegate and Rose Pitney.

Robert rode into the sunset on his Harley, fishing rod in hand, Broncos jersey on—gone too soon, but forever in our hearts. Ride free, Dad.

A celebration of life will be held at the Colorado Springs Fire Department (Administrative HQ) at 375 Printers Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 on Saturday, November the 1st at 2pm. Reception, food and reminiscing to immediately follow.

Alternative Cremation

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