Rodney Gifford
Rodney Kent Gifford ascended to his Heavenly Father, and joined his beloved daughter Teresa, on the evening of March 30, 2023. Rodney was surrounded by his loving family during his last week, and died peacefully in his own home at the age of 82 years old.
Mr. Gifford lived a abundantly diverse life, which started in the western panhandle town of Elsie, Nebraska, where he was born on March 18, 1941. The son of Earl Walter and Anna Marguerite (Pielsticker) Gifford. His only sibling was Rita Lavonne (Barrett) Laubner.
Rodney graduated from Elsie High School in 1958. Rodney’s father Earl taught him the art of woodworking, of which he continued throughout life, gifting his children and grandchildren many unique pieces—some including old snowshoes.
On September 19, 1959 Rodney married Janese Kathleen Glunz in Elsie, Nebraska. The young couple worked hard as Rodney pursued his college education at Kearney State Teachers College, graduating in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
In Nebraska the first two children of Rodney and Janese were born; Kevin and Teresa.
In 1965 the family moved to Northglenn, Colorado, where daughter Renée was born. Rodney started working with Public Service Company of Colorado, and the family moved to Leadville, where John and Mike were born in the next few years. At Public Service Rodney first started as a draftsman, worked up to an engineer’s aid, then an engineer, and eventually in 1974 he became the Engineering Supervisor of the Mountain Division of Public Service Company of Colorado. His 36 year career at Public Service lasted until his retirement in 1999.
Rodney was tireless in his prolific contributions to the Leadville community. His contributions include 19 years as president of the school board; a member of the Elks for 56 years, including a tenure as the exalted ruler; he was a member of the Jaycees; he also donated his time to The Leadville Raiders, appearing as Doc Holliday during Boom Days celebrations; he was a ski patroller at Ski Cooper for many years, and was a member of Lake County Search and Rescue.
Rod volunteered for the Crystal Carnival, Chamber of Commerce, plus countless other committees. He was a member of the Annunciation Catholic Church for as long as he lived in Leadville.
Rodney Kent Gifford was predeceased by his parents Earl and Anna, his sister Rita, and by his daughter Teresa. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Janese, his children Kevin (Karen), Renée (James), John (Lori), and Mike, his grandchildren Ian, Tyler (Alyssa), Cole, Paige (Eric), and Tanner (Fatima), and by his great-grandchildren Khylie, Isaac, Daniel, Riley Rose and Jaxx.
A Rosary and Mass will be held at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville on Saturday, April 15, 2023 starting at 10:30 a.m.
Following the church service there will be burial at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
A celebration for the life of Rodney Kent Gifford will be held at the Leadville Elks Lodge starting at 1:30 p.m.