Kendon Lee Olofson

          Kendon Lee Olofson was born February 4th, 1959 to Elton and Patricia Olofson in Julesburg, Colorado.  He passed from this Earth July 29th, 2017.  Born into the farm life, he found a deep love for horses fostered by his grandfather that continued throughout his entire life.  Never a dull moment on the farm, he spent his time helping the family with the chores, from milking cows to driving tractor.  After completing his education through the Holyoke school system, he began helping Melvin Ocken with his farming operation.

Kendon met the love of his life and best friend in 1978, and in August of 1980, married Kathleen Beavers.  To this union, two children, Dane and Danielle were born.  Kendon and Kathy placed their roots north of town, taking great pride in everything about the home.  Kendon would spend endless hours keeping the place looking sharp and transforming the house into a home.  Always the perfectionist, Kendon honed his skills at woodworking and construction, doing nearly all of the work on the house on his own.  Never deterred, when he could not get things just right, he would work through them until he had them just the way he wanted. 

As the children became more involved in sports, Kendon transitioned his focus as well.  Kendon was afforded the opportunity to become his own operation, taking over his grandfather’s farm in 1992.  He accepted a position at the Case IH dealership in the parts department in 1995, eventually becoming the parts manager.  He was quick with conversation, and covered every avenue possible to ensure his customers needs were met.  With more time found for the kids, he would be at every game, sometimes driving hundreds of miles to catch both playing in the same day.  With his time devoted so many different directions, his time for motorcycles, woodworking, and building furniture was reduced, but his love was never lost. 

Kendon always had an affinity for learning.  He made learning a priority in his and his family’s lives, whether it was formal or hands-on.  He encouraged his children to work hard and learn whatever they could.  His love for knowledge drove him to pursue a position on the local school board.  He wanted to be involved in furthering the education of the young, did so by serving two terms, capped by two years as board president.  His efforts were recognized by the Colorado Association of School Boards, receiving the McGuffey Award in 2009. 

Kendon is survived by his wife of 37 years.  Survivors also include his parents, Elton and Patricia of Holyoke, son Dane and wife Kallie of Colby, Kansas, Danielle of Idalia; brothers Jeff and wife Sharon of St. Francis, Kansas, Martin of Holyoke, and Erin and wife Claire of Greeley.  Kendon also leaves behind two very special little girls, his granddaughters Piper and Everleigh.  Also special to Kendon were the numerous relatives and friends left behind. 

The memorial service was held on August 3, 2017 at 10 A.M. at the Holyoke United Methodist Church and officiated by Pastor Al Strauss.  A private family inurnment followed the service at the Holyoke Cemetery.  Charitable contributions are to be made to the Kendon L. Olofson School Memorial those are to be sent to Baucke Funeral Home in Holyoke, Colorado.  Their address is 1220 SW. Interocean Street in Holyoke, Colorado 80734.  Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of doing the arrangements for the service.