NEUHARD  JR., Robert, 79, of Longmont, died April 4, 2012 at the Hospice Care Center of Broomfield and Boulder Counties. Service will be at a later date

Lazaro Villalobos-Varela, 27, of Longmont, died March 31, 2012 in Herlong, California. Mass of the Christian burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont. Burial will follow at Foothills Gardens of Memory in Longmont.

Jack Wheat

Jack Olson Wheat, age 79, of Longmont, died April 1, 2012 at the Hospice Care Center of Broomfield and Boulder Counties, in Louisville.

He was born on November 25, 1932 in Garden City, Kansas to Ernest and Fern (Rucker) Wheat. He lived most of his childhood years on the family farm in Barber County, Kansas. He was the second oldest of five children. Throughout his life, he often spoke of his fondest memories growing up on the family farm.

Going to high school in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, he met the love of his life and future lifelong companion, Billie Jean Stallard, They would later marry on September 1,1951 in Medicine Lodge, Ks. Jack was blessed with three children, Debbie, Lance and Mark.

The family lived in Greensburg, Kansas from 1955 until 1963, where he was a barber at the local barber shop. In 1963, they would again move to Boulder, Colorado, where he worked for a while as a barber. In 1965, Jack changed professions and became a professional fire fighter with the Boulder Fire Department. He made many lifelong friends while employed at the fire department. During his career with the fire department, he promoted to the rank of engineer and again to the rank of Lieutenant. Jack retired in 1985 from the Boulder Fire Department.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed spending time with his family. They would often go camping in Gunnison, Colorado. He also took up the art of fly fishing and became quite proficient. In fact, he was a good instructor at fly fishing, as many of his children and grandchildren enjoy this hobby today. . He was a member of the Hygiene United Methodist Church of Hygiene, Colorado.

During his years of retirement, Jack and his wife enjoyed trips in their R.V. throughout the United State and Canada. There was also a few trips when they created memories for their grandchildren, by taking them along also.

During the past year, Jack was diagnosed with dementia. He was a proud man and he faced this dreadful disease with pride and bravery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brother in laws, two sister in laws, mother and father in law Robert and Elsie Stallard.

Leaving to mourn Jack are his wife of over 60 years, Billie Jean Wheat (Stallard), Daughter Debbie Powell (husband Steve)of Largo Florida, Son Lance Wheat (wife Julie) of Burlington, Colorado, son Mark Wheat (wife Donna). Grandchildren: Tiffany, Eric, Jennifer, Ryan, Wayne, Nicole and Donny. Great grandchildren: Josh, Jacob, Cameron, Casey, Ian and Jayden. His brother and sisters; Bill Wheat (wife Jo), Glenda Tennyson, Marilyn Brown and Leon Wheat (wife Vicki).

Jack’s memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday April 5, 2012 in the Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Chapel in Longmont.  A private inurnment will take place at Foothills Gardens of Memory in Longmont

Any contributions are requested to be sent to Hospice of Broomfield and Boulder Counties, 1855 Plaza Drive, Louisville, CO 80027

Please share condolences with the family at www.carroll-lewellen.com