Obituary of Stefan Ehret

Stefan Ehret

Friday, December 26, 1930 - Monday, June 12, 2023

Stefan Ehret was born in Malcoci, Romania on December 26, 1930, and made his transition on Monday, June 12, 2023.

Stefan’s young life was marked by hard work on the family farm, and extreme hardship during and after WWII, when his family was forced to flee their home twice to avoid encroaching conflict; once at age 9 (from Romania) and again at age 14 (from Poland). Each time the family lost virtually all of their hard-earned assets – their home, livestock, and few possessions. During their second exodus, in the Winter of 1945, they endured temperatures of -40 degrees, while traveling in an uncovered wagon, with little food to buffer their journey.

Once settled with his parents in Germany, Stefan attended several trade schools, and proved to have a knack for auto-body repair.  This eventually became a solid skill and his life-long occupation, where his talents supported him in Germany and during his transition to America in 1957 and for 35 years after.  Stefan’s stellar work ethic and sense of perfection in everything he did set an example for his coworkers, his neighbors and friends, and was instilled especially in his children.

Stefan’s young life took a monumental turn the day he met his future wife, Therese, at the tender age of 22.  They fell in love during long walks along the Main River, bordering the Johannisburg Palace, which still stands in Aschaffenburg, Germany today.  Together, they built a life in America, and raised four children, who’ve given them six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His steadfast love and devotion to his family has influenced every one of them, and will linger long in their hearts in the years to come.

In 1958 Stefan was one of the founders of the Edelweiss Club in Colorado, and he even had his own band for four years!  He was a virtuoso accordionist, and a lover of music, especially polka.  His great joy was dancing to live music at the various clubs and Polkafests he attended over the years with his family. 

Stefan also loved the beautiful Colorado outdoors, and spent many fulfilling years camping, fishing and taking his children on water-skiing trips all over Colorado and Utah.  His love for beauty helped win two prizes for the most beautiful garden in Lakewood on two separate occasions.

Stefan is preceded in transition by his dedicated son, Richard.  Those whom he loved and left behind are his loving and devoted wife of nearly 68 years, Therese Ehret, his daughter Julie Martin and husband Hugh Martin, daughter Maria Ehret, and daughter Lory England and husband Doug England.   His adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Jeff Casagranda and his family:  Dana, Haley and Matthew; Christine Fletcher and her family:  Jase, Jessup and Addie; Olivia Klutse and Logan Klutse; Cory Ehret and Justin Ehret; and his brother and sister-in-law Herman and Angela Ehret, as well as a number of cherished extended family, and many treasured friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

The Memorial Service for Stefan will be held at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 9405 W. Florida Ave., Lakewood, on Wednesday, June 28 @ 11:00 a.m.  A post-service reception and light meal will be held directly following on the facility grounds.  Please RSVP to 303-921-4610 if you plan to attend the reception after the memorial service.  We would love to see you there, and invite you to share your stories and memories of Stefan’s contributions with us!

Stefan’s favorite bird is the hummingbird – a messenger of joy, love and good luck.  This mighty little bird is also a symbol of beauty, playfulness and resilience.  We can surely all agree that Stefan embodied these qualities, and that we will each hold our memories of him dear.  Even if you are unable to join us, please treasure your favorite memories of Stefan, and keep them close, forever in your heart.  His light will continue to shine on in those of us who knew him, for he continually gave so much of himself throughout his 92.5 years!