Brian Dale Schlagel, of Aurora, CO, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022, after battling pancreatic cancer. He died at home surrounded by his family; he was 72.
Brian was born on September 9, 1949, in Longmont, Colorado, the youngest son of John and Esther (Busch) Schlagel. The family farmed south of Longmont, raising irrigated crops and cattle. Brian was actively involved in Boulder County 4H. After graduating from Longmont High School in 1967, he attended Colorado State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. While at CSU, he met Diane Still and they married after graduation, on June 19, 1971.
The Schagels purchased a farm southeast of Prospect Valley, where they raised irrigated crops which included: sugar beets, corn, pinto beans, malting barley, wheat, and alfalfa. They also had a cow/calf operation of Black Angus and Red Angus cattle. Brian and Diane were actively involved in raising their two sons, Doug and Aaron. The couple retired in 2020, moving to Heritage Eagle Bend in Aurora to be closer to their family.
Brian served on numerous Boards of Directors and leadership roles at: Roggen Farmers Elevator Association, Southeast Weld Fire Protection District, Morgan County Rural Electric Association, Colorado Rural Electric Association, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, and National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. The Schlagels were active with Homestead Grange, and Brian also repeatedly received Western Sugar Company’s annual High Ten Grower and High Sugar Producer awards for quality sugar beet production.
Brian was exceptionally proud of his Volga German heritage, and he loved spending time with his family and being on the farm with many beloved dogs. He traveled extensively with his wife, friends, and family. Brian was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants and Denver Broncos, and he enjoyed spending weekends at the family’s mountain cabin. Brian loved listening to music by Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, and Willie Nelson. He also found comfort and special meaning in wearing ‘Life Is Good’ t-shirts.
Mr. Schlagel was preceded in death by his brother, James, in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Diane, of Aurora, Colorado; son, Doug Schlagel of Parker, Colorado; son, Aaron Schlagel of Elizabeth, Colorado; and grandson, Spencer Schlagel of Parker, Colorado.
Church funeral services for Mr. Schlagel will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at ELCA First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado (803 3rd Avenue), with Rev. Garrett Struessel officiating. Burial directly following at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery. Brian’s family invites you to a luncheon reception after the funeral and burial at The Fox Hill Club, Twin Peaks Room and Patio (1400 CO-119, Longmont).
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Brian D. Schlagel to the Longmont United Hospital Foundation. If you wish to send flowers, please consider Longmont Florist. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com for the Schlagel family.
