February 16, 1925 - December 6, 2022
DeLores “Dee” Sawatzky died on December 6, 2022 at Good Samaritan Village in Loveland, Colorado. She was born February 16, 1925, to Rev Peter P. and Emma (Kaufman) Wedel in Moundridge, Kansas, where she spent her childhood and youth.
After completing high school, she attended Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, where she met her husband. She married Gordon Sawatzky on July 2, 1949. Together they shared life’s experiences for 65 years. They lived in Kansas and Connecticut before moving to Colorado. Two daughters, Stephany and Cathy were added to their family.
Dee completed her education at Colorado State College (now UNC) and enjoyed a teaching career with School District 6. Early childhood development and especially the creative mind of the 5-year-old child was her paramount interest, leading to great satisfaction teaching at the Kindergarten level.
After her retirement from teaching in 1986 Dee became involved in various volunteer projects and retired teacher activities. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she served on several commissions and also did volunteer work. She and her husband enjoyed travel and visited each of the fifty states as well as most of the provinces in Canada. They also took several cruises. Her greatest joy was sharing in the lives of her grandchildren.
Survivors include two daughters, Stephany (Phil) Beck of Spokane, Washington, and Cathy (Brett) Howe of Loveland, Colorado, seven grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her husband Gordon, her parents, five sisters, two brothers, and one grandson.
A private memorial service will be conducted with the family. Memorial gifts may be made in her honor to your favorite charity.
