Earl Logterman

Earl Logterman, 92, of Denver, CO, entered glory on July 29, 2020.  

He was born in Lakeview, SD on March 8, 1928 to Clarence and Lena (Olivier) Logterman, the oldest of three children. He spent his early years near Mission, SD, and the Rosebud reservation until his family moved to California for 1½ years during the Depression, and then to Darien, WI.  He liked to tell stories about the native American ‘blood brothers’ he went to school with.  He played football and basketball in high school, claiming that his class was so small that he had no choice—but he truly loved the sports.  He attended Central College in Pella until 1951 where he met his wife, Lyola Goeman, who he married in 1952 after learning that he would be deployed stateside.  He served in military intelligence-which he also claimed was an oxymoron-- in Washington DC during the Korean conflict from 1951-1953. After his service was finished, Earl completed his education at the University of Denver and worked as an insurance investigator for the Equifax Companies for 39 years until his retirement in 1993. He and Lyola were ardent supporters of Denver Christian—and Christian education in general. He was a true fan and booster, and rarely missed a game or event.

He was a gentle, generous, patient man, with a warm sense of humor and a love of puns and word play.  Earl loved the outdoors, and his favorite activities were fishing, camping, and hiking with family and friends. Neither he nor Lyola had close family in Denver, but the friendships they formed became second family to us all.  Every national holiday seemed to involve a picnic or hike with friends. He truly loved Colorado, and favorite places included Brush and Glenwood Springs, Marble, and any high mountain pass that would scare Mom in the 4 wheeler.   He and Jim fished as often as they could get away, often as far as Kremling.  He and Lyola traveled broadly, often with ElderHostel after his retirement, but his favorite trips were to visit his grandchildren. His greatest legacy is that he was child of God who loved and served his family, his friends, and his church faithfully.  His life—how he loved his family, worked in his job, and served the church and others is a model to us and all who knew him well.  He truly believed in the power of prayer.

Earl is survived by his children Kimberly (Ken) Hengeveld of Sheldon, Iowa, Susan, and James of Denver; grandchildren Daniel Hengeveld, Elisabeth Hengeveld, and Rebecca (Aaron) Olson; great grand daughters Harper and Emelia; a brother Leonard (Beverly) Logterman, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Lyola, his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law, Les and Clarice Pleiter.

Memorials can be directed to Denver Christian Schools or Rehoboth Christian schools, two organizations dear to his heart.