Donald Duane Leafgren

Donald Duane Leafgren, 90, of Eaton, Colorado passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024. He was born on July 20, 1934, to Roy and Lillie (Wright) Leafgren in Greeley, Colorado. Don grew up in Eaton, Colorado and graduated from Eaton High School in 1953. While in high school he participated in football, basketball and ran sprints on the track team. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served 2 years - primarily in Japan. After his Army service, he enrolled as a Geology major at the University of Colorado in Boulder. There he met Rita Rotunno. He and Rita got married on June 13, 1959 at the Evangelical Free Church in Eaton, Colorado. Both Don and Rita graduated from CU with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Geology. After graduation the couple lived in Eaton and Don worked for Selco Supply Company, an agricultural chemical sales company. In 1966 their only son, Doug Leafgren was born. Don continued to work for Selco Supply, eventually becoming the office manager. Selco was purchased by Balcom Chemical Co and later by United Agri Products. By 1985 Don was asked by UAP to move from Eaton. He and his family declined the move and he then became the seasonal manager for Cornbelt Chemical in Greeley, Colorado. Don continued to work the summers for Cornbelt until his retirement in 1997. Don was an avid sportsman with a love of watching the hometown Eaton Reds High School sports teams, especially basketball. He also was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. Don and Rita spent considerable amounts of time at their mountain cabin west of Fort Collins. Don and Rita continued to ride their dirt bike motorcycles well into older age. They were noted for riding all the trails and logging roads around Pingree Park well into their 80's. Don is survived by his wife Rita and son Doug Leafgren (Julie) of Eaton, sister Sue Kerbs (Dave) of Greeley and grandchildren Courtney Leafgren of Denver and Bryce Leafgren of Eaton along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lillie Leafgren (Bateman), step-father Tom Bateman as well as his brother Paul Leafgren. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado. A celebration of life and reception will follow the service at St. Paul’s Congregational Church at 1525 43rd Avenue in Greeley. Interment will be at a later date at the Eaton Cemetery.

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Donald Duane Leafgren

July 20, 1934 - December 8, 2024