Neil William Hassler

Neil Hassler was born in Holyoke Hospital on December 29,1937, to Charles H. & Dorcas Hassler of Amherst, CO. He passed away at Poudre Valley Hospital on June 20, 2026.

Neil grew up on the family farm south of Amherst. He graduated from Holyoke High School in 1955, where he played basketball. He also played Legion Baseball. Neil worked various jobs in the area until he went to work for CDOT as a highway maintenance man, in April of 1961.

That position led to a series of moves as he advanced positions; Kremmling, Elk Springs, Pueblo, Kremmling and Holyoke. Both times when he was in Kremmling, his route for maintenance and snowplowing was over Gore Pass. He enjoyed his time on the pass and was proud of the fact that the pass was always open for the 4 Continental Trailways buses a day. In 1974 Neil had the opportunity to start farming with his father so he transferred to Holyoke and worked for CDOT and farmed in the evenings. During the Blizzard of 1977 he was instrumental in assisting a stranded pickup with 3 people, and 2 cars with 7 people each who were members of a singing group called Regeneration. He led them toward Holyoke, but they were stranded at the home of Steve Woods, 8 miles north of Holyoke, for 2.5 days. There were 23 people in the house, including the 5 people normally there. After Neil got back to town, he started to eat supper but CDOT called for him to go back to work opening Hwy 385 towards Wray. Governor Lamm recognized his efforts. Neil retired from CDOT in July 1985, but continued farming and was still involved in farming operations.

For recreation, Neil played summer baseball and softball leagues. In Kremmling he was the player/manager of the men’s basketball team for many years. He was chief of the volunteer fire departments in Amherst and Kremmling.

Neil enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. There were many fishing and hunting trips. Family vacations were enjoyed in the camper, with many wonderful memories. Neil was an avid hunter. In 1964, he shot a Boone & Crockett award-winning buck. He shot a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in 1980.  His final big game hunt was in 2025, with his grandson. Neil was a trapshooter from 1972-1975, winning numerous trophies and traveling many miles in Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada, winning four national championships shoots.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles A Hassler, father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Elizabeth Thompson, son-in-law Edward Ftorski, nephew Paul J Hassler, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 70+ years, Hilda; children Alan (Karla) Hassler, Kremmling, CO, Ann Ftorski, Douglassville, PA, Susan (Mike) Bennett, Holyoke, CO; grandchildren Chuck Hassler, Ault, CO, Brianna (Patrick) Callahan (Ali,& Ryan), Grand Junction, CO, Amanda (Preston) Randall (Timber & Bridger), Ft. Collins, CO, Alex (Gesine’) Ftorski (Liam), Jacksonville, NC,  Mallory (Bob) Bell (Jay) Norwalk, CT; brother Paul (Beverly) Hassler, Colo Springs, CO, cousin Hank (Wanda) Hassler, Holyoke, CO; nieces Debbie (Jim) Homan, Ft. Collins, CO, Laurie Hassler, Albuquerque, NM, and 2 great nephews and 1 great niece.

Memorials are designated to Holyoke Gun Club or Dragon Boosters Club.

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