Donald Lee Stretesky

Donald Lee Stretesky, 80, of Julesburg, Colorado, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Julesburg, Colorado.

Donnie was born to Donald and Virginia (Vogt) Stretesky on October 3, 1945. He was raised on a farm just outside of Julesburg, and after living in Denver for a time, he lived out most of his life on a piece of property he loved just south of town. After graduating high school in Big Springs, Nebraska in 1963, as the valedictorian, he was accepted into the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, where at graduation from Mines in 1968, he was awarded the Silver diploma for completing the coursework for a Bachelor's and Master's degree in 4.5 years to earn a degree in Geophysical Engineering. He worked for over 20 years in oil and gas exploration, for a time with Pan American Oil and Amoco Oil, and later as an independent consultant. Donnie was an avid gardener, and he loved keeping an orchard, as well as hunting, geology, rock collecting, camping, fishing and creating projects around his home.

Donnie is survived by: his father, Donald A. Stretesky; his daughters, Trina Seebach, and husband, Matt Seebach, Laura Knox, and husband, Craig Knox. Three granddaughters, Meghan Seebach, Shelby Covington and husband Gunnar Allen, and Stephany Knox; brother, Lon Stretesky and wife Sherri Stretesky; his sister, Cher Colin, and husband Marc Colin, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother Virginia Stretesky and brother, Neil Stretesky.

Graveside service will be held at the Big Springs, Nebraska cemetery on May 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 am. Reception following at the Hippodrome in Julesburg, Colorado.