Young's Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO (2026)

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.

01/21/2026

Alice Marie Durward Drotar, 94, died January 13, 2026 in her home in Northglenn, Colorado with family members in attendance. Alice Marie was born on April 22, 1931, in Boulder, Colorado to Lawrence and Annetta (Andre) Durward. She graduated from Boulder High School and attended the University of Colorado, where she met her husband George Drotar during chemistry lab. They were married on January 31, 1952.

She was a mother of 12 children and a homemaker. Her purpose in life was to take care of both her children and, when needed, her grandchildren. She preserved food, sewed clothes, quilted, crocheted, knitted and embroidered to make sure her family had what they needed. She taught these skills through 4-H for over 50 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Drotar, her granddaughter Rebecca Snyder, her parents, Lawrence and Annetta Durward, her brother Dr. James Durward, and her sister Louise Kraus.

She is survived by two sisters Florence Rickman and Kathryn Harris, and twelve children, AnnaMarie Drotar, Leonard Drotar, RoseMary (Drotar) Bindel, Teresa Drotar, Debora (Drotar) Naftz, Martha (Drotar) Amey, Janet Drotar, Timothy Drotar, Arthur Drotar, Karen (Drotar) Osborne, Ellen Drotar, and Benjamin Drotar. She has 34 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 2 great, great-grandchildren.

Alice Marie embraced her role as a mother. She welcomed everyone into her home and fed whoever was hungry. Holidays were important gathering times for family but could include whoever was alone and needed a welcoming place. Sometimes these celebrations at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Easter would include about 50-100 people. She was a long-time volunteer to supply reception meals for funerals at IHM. She especially enjoyed making dinner rolls for them. She was involved with the school district where she participated in defining the gifted and talented program, and in hiring school Principals. She expected her children to achieve, but was very protective of them. She encouraged them to explore and find their own areas of accomplishment be it science, music, trades, or business. All her children were active in band, 4-H and sport. She helped other children as part of the Helping Hands movement where any child who needed help could knock on the door of a house displaying a hand sticker and know it was a safe place. She helped many children this way.

Our mother had the kindest and most loving heart. We loved to hear her sing while preparing food and during long car trips. We learned so much from her; she was always thinking of the needs of others before herself. She had the ability to keep track of 12 or 13 schedules, all at once and to be there to help anyone.

The Funeral Mass be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish, 11385 Grant Drive, Northglenn, CO on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a lunch to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers a donation in the name of Alice Marie Drotar to “Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Bank” or “Shriners Hospital for Children” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

01/15/2026

Beau Daniel Smith, 42, of Johnstown, CO was born on March 30, 1983 to Daniel Rolland and Nancy Ann (Szidon) Smith in Denver, Colorado. He grew up in Fort Collins and finished high school with his GED and went on to have a very busy work life.

Beau had a commendable work ethic, could fix anything and was an incredible asset to his various employers. He was the maintenance supervisor at Owen Illinois in Windsor at the time of his death. He passed away January 7, 2026 in Johnstown.

Beau married Heather Howell on July 7, 2006 and together they had a son, Rylan, with whom Beau enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors. They hunted, fished and hiked together. He especially loved working with Rylan on his 4-H archery projects.

Beau made many trips to the Elk Horn with his grandpa Bump, dad, uncles and brothers. Hearing the elk bugle was always a fall adventure, when he could get away from work. He was a master griller and smoker, the Traeger being a favorite tool to compete in smoke-offs.

Survivors include his son, Rylan and Rylan’s mother Heather Smith, stepsons; Dylan and Branson McElroy all of Milliken, his dad, Daniel (Bonnie) Smith of Willow Creek, MT and mother, Nancy (Ben) Johnson of Manhattan, MT, his brothers; Scott (Carrie) Smith of Three Forks, MT, Chris (Ashley) Smith of Manhattan, MT and Campbell Smith of Willow Creek, MT, numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Forrest and Alice Smith and Victor and Rosann Szidon

Cremation will be completed and services will be announced at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to “Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte St., Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

01/15/2026

Michael Jon Engrav was born May 31, 1962 in Waukon, Iowa to Eugene H.C. and Fayline (Blockhus) Engrav. The family moved to the Quad Cities then to Cheyenne, Wyoming where Mike graduated from Cheyenne East High School. He graduated from the University of Wyoming and while attending college, met Suzanne Salberg. They were married on December 31, 1983. Upon graduation, they moved to Longmont, Colorado and he went to work at First National Bank of Longmont. He then went to work at First National Bank of Johnstown, which became FNBO, until his retirement in 2013.

While in Johnstown, he was a volunteer firefighter, member of Rotary and Lions Club and served on the town board. When they moved to Greeley he was in Rotary and was a member of the Greeley Country Club. He liked playing tennis, golf, bowling, and softball. He bowled a perfect game while bowling in the Longmont league and had 5 hole in ones at various golf courses.

He was preceded in death by his father Eugene, and all four grandparents. His mother died 3 days after Mike.

He is survived by his wife Suzanne, his son Jon, his granddaughters Zoe, Malyn, and Charli, his brother Larry and wife Paulette, his brother Greg and his wife Mary, his sister Jillene Sutherland and her husband Scott, along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike’s Life Celebration will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Dreams & Dragonflies, 5194 CR 50, Johnstown. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

01/07/2026

Jaricca Joy Johann, 33, of Loveland passed away January 1, 2026. She was born January 23, 1992 in Loveland to William Dennis Johann and Myrna Lisa Herrera, where she grew up and attended schools.

She graduated from Ferguson High School in 2011 and attended IBMC where she obtained her Associate’s in 2015. Jaricca excelled in everything she did. While in school, she worked for Burke’s Cleaners, then graduated and worked as a Medical Assistant in Loveland.

She was an animal lover, loved playing softball, helping others, riding motorcycles and being outdoors. Jaricca was known for having a fierce determination and she loved her family with all her heart.

Thankful to have shared her life are her parents, Bill (Holly) Johann, Myrna Herrera, her daughter, Annalisa Johann, her siblings; Vanessa (Chano) Salinas, Vicente Vizarraga, Jordan (Mayra) Johann, step-siblings; Randy and Denella Gaona, Scott Ward, her grandparents, Carlos (Josefina) Herrera, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents (Oma & Opa) Johann, her Grandma Alice Herrera, cousin Brandon Derrera, Uncle James Johann IV, Uncle Reyes Nava, and Great Grandmother Aurora Rivera.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Viegut, 1616 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland with a Recitation of the Rosary to begin at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026 at St. John the Evangelist, Loveland with a lunch to follow immediately. Cremation to follow services with inurnment to be held at Loveland Burial Park at a later date. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

01/03/2026

During the late afternoon of New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, Ronald “Ron” Lloyd Lewis peacefully took his final breath at the home of his granddaughter, Ashley, in Milliken. He was 87 years old.

Ron was born on March 9, 1938, in Longmont, Colorado, to Lloyd Newton and Cleone Eloise (Lawson) Lewis. Because his father worked in highway construction, the family moved often, and Ron quickly learned how to make friends wherever he landed—a skill he carried with him throughout his life.

In Berthoud, Ron met Doris Eleanor Zoller, and on January 31, 1960, he married the love of his life. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage built on hard work, devotion, and plenty of laughter. Their bond was deep and enduring, and Ron missed her dearly after her passing on August 8, 2025—not long before he followed her.

Ron spent his life in agriculture, work that fit him well. At just 27 years old, he reached one of his proudest accomplishments—buying his own dairy in Galeton, which he and Doris operated together. After later moving to LaSalle, he raised and butchered rabbits and often helped neighboring Valley Packing, rarely coming home without a summer sausage, ham, or bacon in hand. He also raised beef cattle over the years. Ron took pride in honest work and always found a way to enjoy it.

Ron loved old Western movies and his coffee gatherings at the Double Clutch Café and Country Inn, where he and his friends shared stories, laughs, and solved the world’s problems more than once.

Ron and Doris were longtime members of LaSalle Community Church, faithfully worshiping and serving until their health no longer allowed them to attend.

Those grateful to have shared Ron’s life include his children, David (Karen) Lewis and Michele (John) Melito; son-in-law Steve (Joyce White) Hunt; six grandchildren—Melissa (Byron) Harlow, Ashley (BJ) Cummins, Matt (Michayla) Hunt, John Melito, Alicia (Joe) Walsh, and Samantha Melito; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Pat Wagner. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris Lewis; his daughter, Vicki Hunt; his older brother, Gene Lewis; and his parents, Lloyd and Cleone Lewis.

At Ron’s request, a private family inurnment will be held at Johnstown Cemetery, where he and Doris will be laid to rest together. Memorial gifts may be made to LaSalle Community Church in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com

12/28/2025

Lois Darlene Shultz (1934 - 2025)

Darlene, as she was known, was born September 4, 1934, south of Johnstown, Colorado, the youngest daughter to Robert and Enid (Pratt) Markham. Her father farmed and raised mules. Her mother worked alongside Robert and kept the home for their seven children; six, after they lost their only son Bobby.

Darlene graduated from Johnstown High School. She married Ed Shultz on September 27, 1953 in Loveland. She loved sewing and quilting and was a 4-H sewing leader for years. She also started the first Girl Scout Troop in Johnstown and was a leader in both local and statewide Eastern Star. Having traveled the state both as a sport’s mom, as a state officer in Eastern Star and driving Rainbow girls hither and yawn, Darlene saw a good deal of Colorado. She traveled by train with Ed to California when the kids were still young and often remarked about that trip. She and Ed also took their Harley Davidson out often on local day trips. She loved how riding the motorcycle meant seeing and smelling things you couldn’t see or smell from the car. Ed preceded her on April 7, 1996.

Darlene held a lot of jobs from telephone operator to feed truck weigher. She worked at Colorado Alfalfa Products in Milliken, at Johnstown Clothing on Main Street, HP in Loveland, the First National Bank for many years and in her retirement, she worked part-time as the secretary at the United Methodist Church of Johnstown. But by far she took the greatest pride in her role as wife and mother and more recently Grandma and Great-Grandma. Grandma Darlene made keepsakes that were well used and now well cherished.

She married Glenn Shultz on August 1, 1998 in Denver and they were able to travel to the United Kingdom, and several U.S. states.

She is survived by her husband Glenn, daughters Lori Rieder (Gary), Jody Shultz (Eric), son Steve Shultz (Ellen) and Lisa Shultz. She leaves behind ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by all her siblings; Bernice Hayes, Roberta Ackerman, Beverly Gerhardt, Dolores C**n, Robert “Bobby” Markham and Virgene Burns, her first husband, of over forty years, Edward Shultz, her son-in-law Alan Rieder and grandson Griffin Shultz. Darlene passed peacefully on December 24, 2025 in Windsor.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the Johnstown United Methodist Church, 108 King Avenue. Darlene’s Life Celebration will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Johnstown United Methodist Church with a luncheon reception to follow immediately. Private interment at the Johnstown Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to “Front Range Fire & Rescue” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences and tributes may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

That though the radiance which was once so bright be now forever taken from my sight. Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower. We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind. ~ William Wordsworth

To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go. ~ Mary Oliver

12/25/2025

As we celebrate Christmas and the holiday season, we remember and honor the families we have served.

12/24/2025

Betty Jean Ottesen, 94, of Greeley, passed away at Greeley Village on December 18, 2025 with family at her bedside. She was born July 17, 1931 on the family homestead outside of Fort Lupton to John Clifford and Dakota Ellen (Haney) Warner where she grew up.

Betty attended through the 8th grade at Four Way Country School and then four years at Fort Lupton High School where she graduated in 1949. She went on to attend Colorado State Teachers College (UNC) for two years. On July 1, 1951, she married Frank Glenn Ottesen at the First Baptist Church in Fort Lupton.

Betty was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother and began working at Precision Engineering in Denver as their bookkeeper. She also managed the books for the family business, Brighton Grain Company. She had a deep interest in Southwestern arts and crafts, which grew as she acquired vast knowledge and expertise in Navajo pottery, rugs, Kachina dolls, and Indian jewelry. She began as a volunteer with the Denver Museum of Natural History in their gift shop and would later become the manager. Betty was a respected asset at the different Southwestern Indian shops she worked at; the Deer Dancer in Larimer Square and Eagle Plume’s in Allenspark.

Volunteering and service were a big part of their lives. She dedicated time as Secretary to the Brighton 27J School Board in the 1970’s, served as Den Mother and Campfire Girls leader, PEO Chapter FA in Brighton and Chapter CR in Greeley for a total of 70 years, was very active at First Congregational UCC in the handbell choir and served as a deaconess and on numerous boards and committees, a member of the Assistance League and Bargain Box volunteer and she and FG were instrumental in the Indian Market in Santa Fe for over 30 years. She was a natural caretaker, helping many family members, including her mother and mother-in-law.

Thankful to have shared her life are her children; Margo Masat, Marsha (Gene) Gilluly and Mark (Scott) Ottesen, six grandchildren; Sarah (Ross) Holmes, Rachel (Dan) Penner, Sterling (Tayler) Masat and Royal Masat, Michelle Gilluly-Beham, Jason (Morgan) Gilluly, nine great-grandchildren; Maddie, Weston, and Crockett Holmes, Michael, Sean and Jared Penner, Stetson and Chloe Masat and Reagan Gilluly, her brother, Robert L. “Bob” Warner and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, FG, on December 28, 2024 as well as her siblings; Anna Sickler, Leonard Warner, Mary Hughes and her twin brother, Bill Warner.

Betty’s family will announce a Life Celebration at a later date. Cremation will be completed. Memorial gifts may be made to “Rocky Mountain Conservancy” or “Bristol Hospice” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

12/17/2025

Francis Marie Geisert, 93, of Greeley, passed away at UC Health Greeley Hospital on December 11, 2025. She was born September 10, 1932 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Rankie Carl and Hazel Ellen (Lassen) Kostman and grew up in the Keith County area. During her senior year, she moved to Seward, Nebraska where she graduated from high school and attended two years of college receiving her teaching certificate.

On November 16, 1952, she married Richard “Dick” Henry Geisert at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, Nebraska.

Francis taught for three years in Arthur County, Nebraska and after Christmas of 1956, the family moved to Greeley where she worked as a bookkeeper for Garnsey and Wheeler Ford and Weld County Garage. Dick started their family business, Dick’s Excavating, in 1969 where Francis became the family bookkeeper. In 1975, she opened Fran and Sons Construction Inc. as a minority woman owned business. She was a member of the Woman’s Small Business Association. In 1976, they started working all over the United States with disaster relief clean up. In 1989 they closed Fran and Sons Construction and opened Alpha II Trucking and continued disaster relief until 2010. In January of 2025, they sold their equipment and were finally able to retire.

She enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing golf, singing, entertaining friends and family, cooking, and loved her Lord. She sang in the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir for 40 years alongside her husband and her daughter.

Francis and Dick were blessed to be married 73 years and raise three children together. She leaves behind her loving husband Dick, their children Gene (Twyla) Geisert, Susan (Jim) Florence, and daughter-in-law Carolyn Geisert, 7 grand children, Bobbi (Mark) Lorenz, Tammi Eberle (Ben Quandt), Chris (Tiffany) Geisert, Tom (Kristina) Geisert, Tanner Florence, Shaena Florence, and Josh (Amber) Florence, as well as 9 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Steven, her siblings Gordon and Norman Kostman, and her parents Rankie and Hazel.

A Life Celebration for Francis will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3000 35th Avenue, Greeley with a luncheon to follow. Cremation will take place with inurnment at Linn Grove Cemetery at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to “Trinity Lutheran Church” or “Alzheimer’s Association” in care of Young’s Funeral Service, 102 E. Charlotte Street, Johnstown, CO 80534. Condolences may be shared at youngsfunerals.com.

12/14/2025

Grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Wreaths Across America event at the Johnstown Cemetery, in conjunction with the JM Post, this morning. We appreciate the service and sacrifice of so many of our community members. We live in the greatest country that honors our service men and women. 🇺🇸🎄🇺🇸

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