Darwin Donald Goltz passed away peacefully Tuesday the 18th of March. He was born November 2, 1943 in Balaton, to Ardis and Donald Goltz. Darwin was the oldest of three siblings, with his sister, LaNita and younger brother, Dennis.
At 18, Darwin enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served in the Vietnam War. After the war he was stationed at Fort Carson where he fell in love with Colorado. Following his honorable discharge, he decided to stay and make Colorado his home.
It was in Denver that he met and married Denise Beaudoin. Together they had two sons – Ryan and Jason. Darwin loved coaching his boys in all sports, especially in baseball, where he would encourage them to “hit the pitcher for a milkshake” and was affectionally known as Coach.
Apassionate traveler, Darwin preferred the open road, often extending planned two-week trips into three or four weeks. He visited all 28 Major League Baseball stadiums, along with 15 stadiums that have been torn down. He also explored over 50 National Parks along the way.
Darwin was a salesman with John Morrell where he leveraged his gift for conversation into a long and successful career.
Grampa Dar loved his granddaughter Jordan and grandson Jackson immensely. You could find him dancing to the oldies, enjoying Christmas Eve service or exploring Breckenridge during his annual October stay.
Darwin is survived by his two sons, Ryan and Jason, Jennifer (daughter-in-law), two grandchildren, Jordan and Jackson, Brother Dennis and Stephanie Goltz and four nieces and a nephew: Robyn Vosejpka, Rick (Brenda) Usher, Rebecca (Tim) Hinman and Elizabeth (Phil) Rishel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ardis and Donald Goltz, sister, LaNita and Chris Usher and lifelong friends – Jack, Dick and Gary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Darwin’s memory to Disabled American Veterans www.dav. org.
