GARY A. WETZBARGER
GARY A. WETZBARGER
May 12, 1949 – February 3, 2021
Gary Allen Wetzbarger 72, of Erie, CO died Wednesday evening, February 3, following complications from a recent surgery.
He was born May 12, 1949 in Ft. Collins, Colorado to Ralph E. and Opal M. Wetzbarger. He graduated from Erie Sr. High School in 1967, and then attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, while working at night as a janitor to pay for his schooling and to provide for his family. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at CU.
Gary married Carmen (Linda) Sanchez-DeFabbio (also of Erie) on June 12, 1971. He became a father to Linda’s daughter Angela; Gary and Linda then had two sons, Gregory Allen and Andrew Ernest.
Gary worked in the oil and gas industry for 30 years to provide for his family. He received numerous awards for his service and dedication and several of his colleagues remained lifelong friends. After he retired, he was able to pursue his lifelong passion for custom woodworking and furniture making. He formed his own company, Western Craftsman, which he maintained until his death. He was active in founding the Arts Coalition of Erie, Colorado and was active in that association for several years.
After the death of his first wife Linda, in 1993, Gary married Diana Fausz, on February 14, 1996. He became stepfather to her sons Christopher Fausz and Andrew Fausz.
Gary was an avid cyclist and continued to ride until his health declined. He was a major contributor to the Children’s Hospital of Denver, Colorado, and personally raised over $100,000.00 to donate to them because of their life saving care for his son Andrew and grandson Rick Prochaska, Jr. For several years, Gary and Diana, rode the MS 150 and several other bicycle fund raisers on their tandem bicycle as well as enjoying in beautiful northern Colorado. Gary was proceeded in death by his parents and first wife Linda, sister- in- law Linda Wetzbarger (spouse of brother Michael).
He is survived by his wife Diana of Erie, Gary’s sons Gregory (Tina), and Andrew (Nadine) of Erie; daughter Angela (Clint) Cloward of Eaton, brother Michael of Firestone, step sons Christopher (Erin) Fausz, of Platte City, Mo., Andrew Fausz (Tonya Saavedra), of Wheatridge, grandchildren: Sarah (Jeremy) Trujillo of Eaton, Colorado , Rick Prochaska Jr. (Carissa) of Eaton, Annalyse Giron (Angelo) of Denver, Jakilyn Wetzbarger, Madison Wetzbarger and Jace Wetzbarger, all of Erie, Colorado; step grandchildren Ashley Fausz of Centennial, CO, David Fausz of Arizona, and Meg Fausz of Missouri. Six great children: Austyn, twins Ajay and Andee Trujillo of Eaton, Payson and Hensly Prochaska of Eaton, Wolfgang Boles of Erie, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service is planned for early spring to be held at son Gregory’s home in the spring.