July 15, 1940 - December 9, 2021
Ernest Frederick Deines Jr, 81, of Broomfield, Colorado, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Thursday, December 9, 2021.
Ernest, also known as “Sonny” or “Ernie”, was born on July 15, 1940 in Denver, Colorado to LuDora and Ernest Deines Sr. He attended grade school at Irondale (Commerce City) and Keenesburg Elementary. Ernie attended Junior High in Keenesburg, and then Fort Lupton High school where he graduated in 1958. While attending school, he was involved in football, basketball, baseball, band, choir and the National Honors Society. Ernie was actively involved in helping his parents on their dairy and farm. He also helped run his father’s businesses, Ernie’s Feed Store in Keenesburg and Ernie’s Equipment in Fort Lupton.
Ernie attended Colorado State University, but was drafted into the Army in 1964. He was deployed to Germany in which he served there through 1966. While serving, Ernie received a Good Conduct medal, a National Defense Service medal and an award for Marksman (Rifle). After completing his service in the Army, Ernie returned to Colorado State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Science in 1967.
Ernie met the love of his life, Deanna Wollert, through his father who sold Deanna’s family a car. Ernie and Deanna were united in marriage on September 29, 1973 at First German Congregational Church in Globeville, Colorado (now Fellowship Covenant Church in Arvada, Colorado). They enjoyed numerous things together including being in a Corvette Club, attending church activities, going to Bronco games and running their Shaklee business. They lived in Arvada, Colorado and moved to Broomfield, Colorado in 1977. They were blessed with 47 years of marriage and 3 children: Nicole, Eric and Kimberly.
Ernie worked at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal as a Physical Scientist for 37 years, retiring in 2004. He and Deanna sold Shaklee together and were Shaklee Supervisors for over 46 years.
His Christian faith showed through his many church activities and involvement that included Explorers group and serving as a deacon and an usher. It was his faith that carried him through the difficult time of losing his beloved wife. He had a big heart, was a hard worker and he always made sure his family was cared for. You would always find him talking to a stranger or lending a helping hand.
Ernie enjoyed traveling with family, camping, computers, coaching his kid’s soccer teams, and especially spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing stories with them about his childhood growing up on the farm. He was very proud of his family and being a Grandpa brought him tremendous joy.
Ernie is survived by his Daughter Nikki (Chad) Uthmann of Laporte, Son Eric (Shauna) Deines of Broomfield, Daughter Kimberly Warren (Benjamin) of Casper, WY, and grandchildren: Andrew Deines, Aubrey Deines, Tyler Uthmann, Jace Uthmann, Cody Warren, and Molly Warren. He is preceded in death by his parents LuDora and Ernie Sr, several grandbabies, and his lifelong friend and beloved wife Deanna. Ernie and Deanna’s true love was inseparable being by each other’s side through good and bad times. They are reunited once again with only being 11 months apart after Deanna’s passing.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Fellowship Covenant Church in Arvada, Colorado. Visitation at 10 am, service at 10:30 am with interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheatridge, Colorado. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ernie’s name to the Fellowship Covenant Church Memorial Fund.
