Young's Funeral Service

03/13/2026

Elaine Roberta Erickson, 81, of Greeley passed away under hospice care at her home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. She was born in Greeley on July 3, 1944 to Ruben and Emma (Croissant) Fahrenbruch and grew up in Kersey where she graduated from high school in 1962.

On September 20, 1968, she married Merlyn Keith Erickson at St. Paul’s Congregational Church and they celebrated 57 years together.

Elaine started as a trainee for State Farm when they first opened in Evans and then worked at Stockman’s Western Wear for a number of years. She later worked at Producers and then went to work for the Kersey School District as a bus driver, lunch lady and teacher’s aide before she retired. She loved Mexican food and her Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies and was a Stampede Rider for 20 years with the Wranglers. She enjoyed needlepoint, cross stitching and crafting.

Thankful to have shared her life are her husband Merlyn, sons; Marty (Jenni) Erickson and Monty Erickson (Elizabeth Pickett), three grandchildren; Karli Linnebur-Watkins, Kacey and Mason Erickson and three great-grandchildren; Kennedi, Charlotte and Adelynn, her brother Robert (Sherian) Fahrenbruch and sister Roxy (Alan) Waide as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a special aunt and uncle, Herman and Freda Rady.

A visitation will be held from 12’noon to 1:00 p.m. with a Life Celebration service following at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Kersey Community Church, 26221 WCR 53. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. A reception will follow the service in the Memorial Building. To view the service livestream: https://www.youtube.com/ .

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial gifts may be made to the “Elaine Erickson Memorial Fund” at FMS Bank-Greeley or sent in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

03/08/2026

Judith Joy Haner, 77, of Johnstown, passed away at her home on March 3, 2026. She was born on November 28, 1948, in Coral Gables, FL to Harold Jamison and Retha Betzer.

Judi grew up in Central City, IA and graduated from Central City High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Education from the University of Northern Iowa. She volunteered for VISTA and got assigned to the Colorado Migrant Council. She met Darrell Haner and they were married at the Church in Estes Park on April 12, 1975, later divorcing in 2008. They remained friends, supporting two sons and their families.

Judi taught in Weld RE-5J District for 40 plus years, mostly at Milliken Elementary School before moving to Letford Elementary, retiring in 2009. While working full-time and raising two kids, she received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado. During the summer months, Judi taught migrant school. After retiring, she continued to substitute in the district for a few years. She also worked for Yost Cleaning and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and relished the time she spent with her sorority sisters. She loved reading and her little Chihuahua Cookie. Most of all, Judi loved spending time with her grandkids.

Thankful to have shared her life are her sons, Jason (Farrah) Haner and Tyler (Kristen) Haner, her three grandchildren, Jamison, Hadley and Rylan, her two sisters; Jenny (Tim) Whitney and Penny (Mike) Colby, her brother Evan Dake and the boy’s dad, Darrell Haner.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday March 13, 2026 at the Johnstown United Methodist Church with a Life Celebration service to follow at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow the service and interment to be held at the Johnstown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to “Weld RE-5J Education Foundation” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Sreet, Johnstown CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

02/27/2026

Judith Francene Barker, 78, of Greeley, formerly of Milliken, passed away on February 21, 2026 at Garden Square at Westlake. She was born September 6, 1947 in Des Moines, Iowa. Her parents, George D. and Charlotte (Thompson) Frey, raised her in Waterloo, Iowa, later moving to Colorado Springs where she graduated from Wasson High School in 1965.

She met Richard Lawrance Barker and they were married on January 26, 1973. He was serving in the U.S. Army and later stationed in Germany where she was a supportive military wife. They returned to the U.S. and she began working in administrative positions, first with Family Physicians and then an executive assistant with Warren Analytical Laboratories/Monfort/JBS.

Judy volunteered with Northern Colorado Firefighters Association, Milliken Fireflies, 4-H, Girl Scouts and whatever activities her daughter, Michelle was involved in. She was a crafter, enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and the local Gamma Chi chapter, attended the Milliken Presbyterian Church in their early years and later the Windsor Brethren Church. She was a big family supporter and enjoyed following her grandchildren in their activities.

Thankful to have shared her life are her daughter, Michelle (Brett) Bernhardt, two grandchildren; Jakob (Kassi) Bernhardt and McKenzie (Travis) Siebers as well as two great-grandchildren, Tanner and Leighton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dick Barker.

Judy will be laid to rest with her husband at a family service which will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the “Alzheimer’s Association” or “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

02/27/2026

02/23/2026

Luis Martinez Rivera, 75, of Milliken, passed away at his home on February 18, 2026 surrounded by his family. His father, Luis Rivera, served in the U.S. Military and died two months before he was born on May 1, 1950. His mother, Maria Cristina Martinez, returned to Mexico where he was born in Juarez and returned to the U.S. at a young age.

He met a young woman, Alicia Calvillo Hernandes, and he married the love of his life on November 16, 1968. They moved their family to Colorado in 1976, remaining here. He was a hard worker and always believed in the value of education, making sure his children took advantage of the opportunities provided to them.

He was an artistic soul, always painting something, regardless of the color of paint. He was a DIY before it became popular and had a great sense of humor, always joking around with friends and family. He enjoyed the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, raising flowers, yardwork, listening to the oldies, going to the casinos, but most enjoyed time with his family, especially the grandkids.

Thankful to have shared his life are his wife, Alicia, three daughters; Silvia (Marcos) Vallejo, Alicia Rivera, Diana Rivera (Santos Garcia) and a son, Luis (Nychelle) Rivera, his ten grandchildren; Vanessa, Jessica (Peter), Victoria, Arianna, Destiny, Jolene (Cole), Francisco (Adriana), Jeremiah, Noah and Sofia, 11 great-grandchildren; Carlie, Skyla, Evelyn, Jayden, Aria, Autumn, Ariella, Zayne, Nevaeh, Shane and Levi as well as his siblings; Irma (Amalio) Garcia, Raul (Veronica) Martinez and Jose (Yvonne) Martinez.

A viewing will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 27 at Grace Community Church, 2033 W. South 1st Street, Johnstown. A Life Celebration will be held at 12’noon Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Grace Community Church. Interment Johnstown Cemetery with a lunch to follow back at the church. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

02/21/2026

Joy Brill, surrounded by love of her family under the loving glow of the Namaqua Heart, lost her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer as she
departed this life in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Vickie Joy Gardner was born on March 12, 1952, in Los Angeles to parents Art McKay and Ila Margaret (Graham) Gardner. Joy was a true Southern Californian girl, with stunning pale green eyes and long strawberry blonde hair. She often told stories of growing up in Burbank and Hollywood,
speaking of people she met along the Sunset Strip before they were famous.

Joy married young, moving to Colorado then briefly back to Southern California, before settling back in Northern Colorado, where she raised four children with her first husband Richard. While her children were young, Joy created holiday magic. From handmade Halloween costumes to a beautifully orchestrated Thanksgiving, and over-the-top Christmas decorations and gifts, the holidays were her thing.

While Joy enjoyed a satisfying 30+ year career as a Real Estate Broker, she also served on the board of directors for the Loveland-Berthoud Association
of Realtors (LBAR), elected Board President in 1998-1999. Joy also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA) for many years.

Joy went on many road trips with her children. Joy’s response to her children asking, “where are we going” was often “crazy, wanna come?” Additionally, playing her favorite songs and albums on repeat at an elevated volume may have contributed to some later in life hearing loss.

Joy was also a lover of books, salads with blue cheese, “nice cookware,” citrus desserts, playing games (board and video), gardening and playing
the slots. Mostly, she enjoyed time with family.

In March of 2006 Joy remarried, the love of her life, Warren Thomas Brill at the Foothills Unitarian Church in Fort Collins. She passed, sadly, just before their 20th wedding anniversary. Joy enjoyed watching her husband, a talented composer and musician, perform while chatting with friends. He
found inspiration in Joy, composing a number of songs inspired by her. Together, they completed their family with the adoption of Janessa.

Thankful to have shared her life are her husband, Warren, her children; J. R. “Brian” (Finity) Steving IV, Thomas “David” (Anya) Steving, Tawny Ursel
(David) Duckworth, Erika Leigh (Chris) Hartmann and Janessa Andrea Brill, her 12 grandchildren; Indiana, Ila, Isaak, Wyatt, Taya, Mitch (Carissa),
Hayden, Reese, Katie, Molly, Azalea and Amaya, and incredible stepfather, David Kirk.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation will take place and Joy’s family will host a private family gathering at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to “House of Neighborly Service” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Please share condolences at youngsfunerals.com.

02/13/2026

Don and Suz Roquet passed within 9 days of each other in October.

Their family remembered the camping trips, hanging out at the old Elks club and golf course, their poker and Bridge card clubs, daily crossword and sweet rolls.

The granddaughters recalled fun shopping trips with their grandma, having her homemade margaritas and helping where needed.

We give thanks for their service to church, community and family.

02/13/2026

Farmer
Realtor
Truck Driver

Remembering Jim Keller as an entrepreneur and community supporter with local organizations and his church.
He lived golfing, motorcycles, snowmobiles and was active in youth 4-H.
We give thanks for his love of animals and sports and the support he provided to his family.

02/13/2026

Debra Jean Heine, 74, of Evans passed away at UC Health Greeley Hospital on Saturday, February 7, 2026. She was born September 4, 1951 in Hastings, NE to Gerald Duane and Letha Maxine (Lambrecht) Witt where she grew up until the age of 5. The family then moved to Colorado where Deb attended Trinity Lutheran School until the 8th grade and then attended College High School in Greeley where she graduated. She went on to receive an Associate of Accounting from AIMS Community College and worked for Anderson & Whitney in Greeley for 40 years, retiring as a Controller.

Deb sang in the Trinity Lutheran Church choir for many years and was a big supporter of their son, Eric, following him in his theater and musical productions.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church and then Anchor Lutheran Church.

Thankful to have shared her life are her husband, Dean Heine, son, Eric Heine, her sisters; Rex (Larry) Whitney and Terri (Dan) Swanson as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family will announce services at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to “Anchor Lutheran Church” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

02/03/2026

We are saddened to announce that Debb L. Desaire passed on December 21, 2025 at The Centre at Center Place in Greeley, CO. Debb fought a hard, yet courageous life the last six months, for sure.

Debb was born in Boulder, CO to Charles Edward and Mary Fran (Oates) Galvin on August 13, 1965. She grew up in Thornton, CO attending Catholic schools.

Debb married John Desaire and was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Shauntel. They later divorced. Debb and Shauntel lived in Buena Vista where Debb earned her College Certificate to be Secretarial Assistant at Colorado Mountain College. She worked numerous jobs as a secretary; at Rocky Flats, the Boulder DA’s office and others. She ended her career at North Colorado Traffic after suffering an injury.

Debb moved to Greeley in 2001 where she met new friends and lived there since. She never met a stranger and always enjoyed time visiting with others. She met her friend, Clint S. Jewett in 2011, whom she enjoyed life with for ten years and remained friends until her death.

Debb is survived by special friends Clint Jewett and Gigi Thompson, her mother Fran Hahn, her daughter Shauntel (Eddie), her brother Ronnie Galvin, one nephew Quincen and her uncle, Frank as well as other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and an aunt, Carol.

Cremation was completed and her Life Celebration will be announced later in Greeley. Further details available through Clint at 970-775-0172 and condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

01/28/2026

Edward Vytas Miknevicius, 66, of Ashton, Idaho, formerly of Johnstown, Colorado passed away suddenly on January 7, 2026 at the hospital in Rexburg, Idaho. He was born on March 1, 1959 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Joseph Vytas and Nijola (Walentukewicz) Miknevicius. They lived in Linden, New Jersey in a Lithuanian community where he graduated from high school in 1977.

Edward attended the American Institute of Baking. From New Jersey he moved to Boulder where he began working for Rudi’s Bakery for 20 years and then in 1997 he moved to Northern Colorado. He was a Master Baker and co-owner of Canyon Bakehouse in Loveland. After retiring, he moved from Johnstown to Ashton, Idaho and continued helping others with their baking careers.

He loved being outside with Mother Nature, fly fishing and tying his own flies, target shooting, baking, cooking and gardening. He also loved playing the electric guitar and attending concerts. He was passionate about being an American and was a devoted father and grandfather to his family. He also loved to read and was getting back into baking and creating his own sourdough starters.

Edward was a member of the NRA and North Park Anglers fishing club in Walden.

Thankful to have shared his life are his children; Jeremiah (Kaylene) Miknevicius, Saundra Moeller, Marissa Miknevicius, Lindsay (Vincent Bukowski) Miknevicius and Nicholas (Myah Newcomb) Miknevicius, four grandchildren; Damien, Trinity and Celestia Miknevicius and McKenzie Wilson and his sister, Loretta “Lori” Londono.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His family will host a Life Celebration on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Sweetheart Winery, 5500 W. Hwy 34, Loveland, CO 80537. Memorial gifts may be made to “Trout Unlimited” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

01/24/2026

Robert “Rob” Wayne Nelson, Jr., 53, of Johnstown, passed away January 20, 2026 at his home. He was born December 12, 1972 in Grand Junction, CO to Robert “Bob” Nelson and Linda “Linni” Alvey.

He attended schools in Johnstown and Milliken and became a Master Electrician. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and had a love for comic books, Rubik’s cubes, reading, collecting treasured items, and music.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Villegas, his three children; Kiyonna Navarro, Adrianna Hassell and Damien Nelson, his three grandchildren; Adleigh and Caysee Nelson and Oakley Hassell, his mother, Linni Williams, his brother Chuck Nelson and his grandma, Ruby Trembath as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Bob and grandpa, Mel Trembath.

The family will host a private service. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.