Niels Hobert Lieurance, Jr.

Niels H. Lieurance, Jr. was born on May 28 ^th , 1956 in Akron, CO to Niels “Nick” Lieurance and Darleen (Smith) Lieurance. Niels spent most of his early childhood years in Littleton, CO then later settled in Fowler, CO for the rest of his childhood. Niels along with his brothers, Dean and Arlin, had their first job together delivering newspapers. During high school Niels got his first solo job at the local Conoco that enabled him to buy his first car, a 1957 Chevy. The purchase of that car was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with old cars and hot rods. On his 19 ^th Birthday Niels and Elsa (Martinez) Lieurance were blessed with their son, Chad. The family made their home in Denver, CO where they spent many days hanging out with the Martinez family creating lifelong memories. In 1980 Niels and Chad moved to the Wray/Vernon area where he would call home for the next 36 years. Niels was in the construction business and never missed an opportunity to take Chad to work with him. Niels had his sidekick with him wherever he went from cruising Wray in his ‘68 Nova to working on cars in the Vernon Shop. Family was always the most important thing to Niels. He was a staple at the WHS football games in his faded out denim jacket walking from field goal to field goal, never sitting in the stands. Later when Niels became a Grandfather his love of family was evident in the time given and adoration of his three granddaughters. That love and adoration continued when he and Diana Malave were blessed with a daughter, Raquel Darleen, on September 1, 2004. Niels then had another sidekick to help him tinker on old cars or to join him outside on the swing by the fire. When Niels moved to Vernon he became a beloved member of the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department. Niels cherished the friendships and camaraderie with his fellow firemen. The firemen, as well as anyone who knew Niels, could attest to his quick-witted sense of humor and one-liners. Niels was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on January 30, 2017 and lost his battle on February 15, 2017. In his final weeks Niels was never fearful of his last day, leaning on his faith in Christ and taking joy in fellowship with his friends and family. Niels was quoted as saying, “I’ve got my flight plans. I am checked out to fly. I know where I am going.”

Preceding him in death were his parents, Niels H Lieurance, Sr and Darleen Eloise (Smith) Lieurance, and his nephew, Randy Charles Lieurance.

Niels is survived his children, Chad Alan Lieurance and wife Tara, of Eagle, CO, and Raquel Darleen Lieurance and her mother, Diana Malave; by his brothers, Dean Lieurance of Oshkosh, NE, Arlin Lieurance and wife Betty of Mancos, CO, and sister, Karla Poenisch and husband Carl of Brule, NE.

Also surviving are granddaughters, Rayne Lieurance, Skylar Lieurance, and Ivy Jane Lieurance, all of Eagle, CO; niece, Shandra (Poenisch) Cooper and husband Jeff of Oshkosh, NE, great-niece Kelbi Cooper, great-nephews Carson and Quaid Cooper, all of Oshkosh, NE; nephew, Brady Poenisch of Oshkosh, NE; niece Nicole (Lieurance) Foreman of Ft. Collins, CO; niece Danielle (Lieurance) Harrison of Munford, TN; niece Tina (Lieurance) Nichols of Halls, TN.

Additional surviving family is Verl Smith and wife Dola of Brush, CO, Dorothy Barber and husband Gary of Englewood, CO, and Doris Bowlus and husband Salem of Littleton, CO, Stephen Lieurance and wife Carmen of Taos, NM, and Naomi Lieurance of Arlington, WA, along with numerous other relatives.

Memorial services were held Monday, February 20, 10:00 AM, at the Beecher Island Sunday School with Daniel Prentice officiating. Arrangements were made by Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, CO.

Memorials may be made to the Vernon Fire Department, Vernon CO, or Hospice of the Plains, PO Box 365, Wray CO 80758.