Dennis Leo Whitten

DENNIS L. WHITTEN, 72, of Julesburg, CO, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2022, at his home.

Dennis was born May 31, 1949, at Julesburg, Colorado, to Leo and Emma (Howerter) Whitten. He graduated from Julesburg High School with the class of 1967 before studying at Northeastern Junior College and later Greeley to pursue a degree in horticulture.

In the early 1970s, Dennis took a job with the Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone Company. While there, Dennis learned a host of different skills and climbed the career ladder. Dennis retired in October of 1994 and moved back to Julesburg in favor of a slower pace of life and closer proximity to family. However, his retirement proved short-lived, as Bell Telephone called him back for another five years.

Dennis had a resiliently joyful and light-hearted personality. He was a tinkerer and perpetually curious, constantly reading to expand his knowledge base. Dennis was a man of many projects and eclectic hobbies.

Another aspect of Dennis' life was his great love for gardening. His fondness for horticulture stemmed back from his youth, and in adulthood, he became a Master Gardener. His garden was as diverse as his hobbies, containing everything from peonies and hibiscus to tomatoes and horseradish. Dennis also kept and nurtured a wide range of fruit trees.

Dennis was unique and lived his life doing the things that captivated his interests. He was never afraid to try new things, like shopping on Amazon or watching how-to videos on YouTube, yet he remained grounded in the lessons of the past through his great love for history.

Dennis was a man of faith, perhaps seeing God as a sort of Master Gardener. One who grows his creation with great love and care, knowing His garden perfectly and tending to its every need with great precision.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jolene Joyce Whitten; brother-in-law, Dennis Zimmerman; and an infant nephew.

Survivors include his brothers, Larry Whitten of Fort Collins, CO and Doug (Judy) Whitten of Lakewood, CO; sisters, Judy Zimmerman of Big Springs, NE and Cheryl (Vic) Anderson of Loveland, CO; along with "Uncle D's" nieces and nephews, Kiffany (Ehrin) Armstrong, Greg Whitten, Brian (Kandi) Zimmerman, Stacy Zimmerman Brandt, Tom (Becky) Zimmerman, Heather (Scott) Dircshl, David, Jim, and Lindsey Anderson.

Memorials are suggested to the Julesburg United Methodist Church in memory of Dennis. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022, at 10:30 am at the Julesburg United Methodist Church, with Rev. Chuck Rager officiating. Inurnment will be in the Hillside Cemetery at Julesburg.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.