Obituary of Richard L Lundien

Richard “Rich” Lloyd Lundien (of Burlington, CO) passed away at Porter Hospital in Denver, CO from multiple organ failure. He fought a good fight by overcoming one obstacle after another for over a month, but finally went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2021, surrounded by his daughters and wife at his bedside. Rich was born in Flagler, CO on January 31, 1948, to Lloyd and Gladys (Seilaff) Lundien of Genoa, CO. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with memories of loving parents & activities with them, to small town/farm antics with his cousins and friends. He graduated from Genoa High School (1966), Aims Community College and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) with a degree in Vocational Industrial Arts and became a teacher in 1971. While at UNC, he rekindled a relationship with the love of his life, Katherine “Kathy” Kreoger. Their families had known of each other through a mutual friendship—the Garold Anderson Family of Arriba, CO. Rich & Kathy were married on April 10, 1971, and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. After graduating from UNC (June of 1971), he was given the opportunity to teach in the vocational department in Meade, KS where he taught for three years. Rich & Kathy had three girls and they were the apple of his eye. Katrina (his firstborn) was born as a Jayhawk in December of 1973. Six months later, the family moved back to Burlington to manage and live on the farm where Kathy grew up. Over the years, they had two more girls born in Burlington—Annea (1978) and Rylana (1982). While working the farm, Rich was able to practice his farming skills, along with deep well irrigation. Kathy & Rich initially worked the farm together by tending cattle, driving the tractor and watering crops with ditches & tubes. Later, they used a lot of irrigation pipe, often times moving it at night with children sleeping in the pickup seat. Rich also helped his wife run an Upholstery Business. They worked side-by-side, while Rich was designated as the official “Foam Cutter” and “Wood Craftsman.” Rich never met a stranger. He enjoyed telling stories and would give the shirt off of his back to help a friend. He was a fair man, who never wanted to take advantage of anyone, and chose to emulate the character of Jesus by being a servant in the community. This set an example for his family to carry on this trait by helping others. Over the years, he served in the First Christian Church as an elder, deacon & board chairman. He often pitched in to help on various church projects, including food preparation for the county fair, Hunters’ Suppers, etc. Rich enjoyed life and liked to camp, fish and hunt—antelope, deer and elk. He also liked to take vacations with his family. Some highlights included Christmas trips to Orlando, FL; Port Aransas, TX; and Baker, OR. His 25th Wedding Anniversary found him on a Hawaiian Cruise with Kathy. He often took his family on camping and fishing trips to the mountains. His favorite fishing holes were near Buena Vista, CO and Rampart Reservoir. Overall, he loved his family. He enjoyed watching his daughters and grandchildren participate in various activities over the years. He enjoyed loudly advocating with the refs. for Katrina during basketball games, working with Annea on the farm & helping Rylana with her horses. He was very grateful to have a wonderful son-in-law (Justin) for Rylana & his grandchildren. Rich enjoyed giving hunting and woodworking advice to his grandson Hayden, eating Emmery’s culinary creations, and cuddling up with his youngest granddaughter (Lakelyn) for Looney Tunes & a nap. (Some people can only dream of such things.) Rich had lots of health battles, but overall, he was blessed and he knew it. He will be missed by many people, but his family knows that he will enjoy Heaven. He is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters—Katrina Lundien, Annea Lundien and Rylana Woller; his son-in-law Justin Woller and grandchildren—Hayden, Emmery and Lakelyn. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church in Richard's memory or may be sent to or left at Love Funeral Home, 377 15th Street, Burlington, Colorado 80807.