Allen J. Hosselkus

Allen J. Hosselkus (AJ) was born Jan. 5, 1929, to the parents of Allen J. Hosselkus and Margaret M. Hosselkus in Creede, Colo. AJ passed away on Oct. 13, 2021, at the Homelake Veterans Center.

AJ was preceeded in death by his parents, his wife Jackie and 12 younger siblings, Peggy, Alyce Ann, Alene Rae, Paul, Bert, John Howard, Delbert, Jimmie, Kurt, Kandace, Tommy Gene and Phyllis.

He is survived by two brothers and two sisters, Henry (Sherrie), Kenny, Sandy Kroll and Karen Arnold.  He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and great- great nieces and nephews, and friend Janice Nelson. He was respected and loved by all. We will all miss him dearly.

AJ’s youth years were spent living at the Road Canyon Reservoir in the summers working in the Family Fish business. In the winter he attended Creede Schools and graduated in 1947. AJ attended the University of Denver. He married Jackie Van Buskirk on Oct. 20, 1947. They had attended Creede Schools since first grade together. After they were married AJ continued at DU and Jackie attended Business School.

They decided to return to Creede and went to work for Mr. Sharp, owner of the 4UR Ranch. AJ was the wrangler and Jackie was head of House Keeping and waitresses. They worked there until Dec. 7, 1951, when AJ enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He served with the Pacific Fleet.

He had planned to have a career in the US Navy, but when Jackie was diagnosed with Lupus, he changed his mind. After serving for four years, he was discharged Nov. 28, 1955. They made their home in San Diego, Calif. After serving in the Navy, AJ became a production manager for the Carrier Corporation and at the same time, he enrolled in trade school to become a certified Pipe Fitter, refrigeration and air conditioner technician.

AJ had a successful and rewarding career gaining a reputation of being one of the best in the industry.  He was a mentor and teacher to all of his co-workers. In 2017, he received a 60-year Certificate of Merit from the Pipe Fitters Union.

In 1969 AJ and Jackie returned to Colorado Springs, Colo., to make their home and he continued his career until his wife, Jackie, of 50 years passed in 1997. AJ made his home from 1997 in Creede, Colo., at his cabin and purchased a home in Arboles, Colo. AJ moved to the Homelake Veterans Center in March. 2021 living there until his passing.

AJ was an avid fisherman and hunter. From the time he was able to hunt he only missed one Elk hunting season in Colorado, because he was stationed in Korea.

AJ retired his hunting days in 2016 (87 years old) and having a hunting and fishing license for 72 years.

A service will be announced at a later date.