Wallace "Wally" Aas, 94, transitioned suddenly and peacefully on Saturday, September 7, at his home in Greeley in the presence of his son, Eric.

Wally was born in Hendrum, Minnesota on July 22, 1930, to Anna and John Aas as the youngest of five children. He received his undergraduate degree from Moorhead State University in June of 1952.On June 15, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Betsy Marie Furuseth, whom he had met in a summer band program – Wally played the trombone and Betsy the baritone. They were married for 57 years before Betsy passed away in 2009 at the age of 77. Wally served in the army during the Korean War in an artillery unit as a forward observer, completing his training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. The armistice was signed just days prior to his scheduled deployment, and he accepted the option to leave the military. He and Betsy moved to Colorado in 1955, so Wally could obtain a master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, with the intention of returning to live in Minnesota upon graduation. However, the couple fell in love with Colorado and made Greeley their permanent home. Shortly after the start of their new era, Wally was offered a position as a physics professor at UNC, soon becoming chair of the department. He retired from the University after devoting 31 years to teaching.

Wally was a beloved member of the First Congregational Church of Greeley for over 60 years. He was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Greeley, moving pianos on-stage for Stars of Tomorrow performances, volunteering at the Weld Food Bank, ringing bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle at Christmas, and playing Santa Claus at the holiday party for kids from Madison Elementary School. The highlight of his life was being a husband, father, and grandfather. Wally enjoyed gardening, bike riding, going out for dinner, attending plays and parties, supporting his grandchildren in all their endeavors, and talking and laughing with family and friends. His two grandchildren never needed a babysitter because of his and Betsy's love of time spent with them. He generously helped his children with many projects and events as a labor of his love, along with hosting memorable family trips.

His smile, sense of humor, authenticity, and compassion will be greatly missed by his daughter Misti of Aurora and Greeley, son Eric and daughter-in-law Heidi of Windsor, granddaughter Jasmine of Vail, grandson Jacob and granddaughter-in-law Lauren of Windsor, 96-year-young sister Valborg Smith of Moorhead, Minnesota, and numerous other family and friends. His giving and uplifting spirit will always live in the hearts of so many who loved him.

A celebration of life and reception will be held at the First Congregational Church in Greeley, 2101 16th Street, on Sunday, October 27, at 2:00-5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Weld Food Bank or the Wild Animal Sanctuary in care of Misti Aas, 2505 21st Avenue Court, Greeley, Colorado, 80631.