Monarch Society

Bonnie J. Van Ness

In loving memory. Bonnie's obituary is pending, but please feel free to sign her guestbook.

Bonnie J. Van Ness Obituary Jul 7, 2026 - Monarch Society View Bonnie J. Van Ness's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Gerald M Mueller

Gerald Myron Mueller, 91, of Aurora, CO, died at home on Monday, June 29, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will be deeply missed. He was born to Clarence and Laura Mueller in Columbus, NE. He attended rural schools in Nebraska and in 1952 graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture in 1956, Gerald was accepted to the US Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. He then served aboard the USS Los Angeles in the Western Pacific and later at the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, VA. Following his Navy service, he was employed in various capacities in the cooperative agribusiness community, retiring in 1996.

Gerald was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Longmont, CO, where he was a dedicated member and volunteer. He lived a life of faith that was nurtured through church, then embodied through service.

Upon retirement he became a member of the Longmont Kiwanis Club. Through the years, he received awards for service and achievement from the Future Farmers of America, Colorado Cooperative Council, and the Kiwanis Club.

When asked what were the highlights of his life as he entered hospice a month prior to his death, Gerald named his navy service, 67 years of marriage to Delores, the double ordination service of his two sons as pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the marriages of his sons, and the birth of his two grandchildren.

His sons especially recall two adventurous family road trips with the station wagon pulling a camper, first to the west coast, and later to the east. Gerald made detailed plans with coast-to-coast reservations at KOA campgrounds, enabling the family to visit National Parks and historic sites.

He was united in marriage to Delores Klug on August 23, 1958, at St John’s Lutheran Church (Shell Creek) Columbus, NE. He is survived by his wife, Delores, children, Craig Mueller (Ernest Vasseur) of Chicago and Kent Mueller of Denver, grandchildren, Annika Mueller (Zac Stevens) of Denver and Preston Mueller of Cambridge, MA, brother Merle (Joan) Mueller, and several nieces and nephews.

The memorial service, inurnment, and reception will take place Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E Alameda Ave., Denver, CO 80246. Preservice music will begin at 2:15 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First Lutheran Church Memorial Fund (P.O. Box 327, Longmont, CO 80502), or the Longmont Kiwanis Foundation (P.O. Box 1002, Longmont, CO 80502).

Richard R. Rowan Obituary Jun 29, 2026 - Monarch Society View Richard R. Rowan's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Joan K. Pedersen-Rich

Longtime Denver resident Joan Kathleen Pedersen Rich passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

Joan was born in Nebraska to Stanley Pedersen and Marguerite Manthey Pedersen. She grew up in Nebraska and attended Grinnell College in Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She later attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, receiving a Master's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Joan enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a speech-language pathologist in Ohio and Denver, Colorado. Throughout her career she worked in hospitals, schools, home health, and private practice, helping countless children and adults communicate more effectively. She especially found it meaningful to volunteer with programs that provided frozen meals to those in need. Her kindness, patience, and encouragement touched countless lives, and many who found their voice through her work may never have realized the lasting difference she made.

Joan was an active member of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher. She sang in the Westminster Choir and the Montview Ringers handbell choir and served two terms on the Board of Managers at Montview Manor, the senior living community founded by the church. Joan and her husband, Dael Baird Rich, moved to Montview Manor in 2004 and cherished the friendships and sense of community they found there.

Family was at the heart of Joan's life, whether during large holiday gatherings or ordinary days together. She enjoyed reading, gardening, exercising, walking in nearby parks, and playing the piano.

Joan married Dael Baird Rich in February 1978. Together they shared 48 years of marriage, building a life centered on family, friends, and service to others.

Joan is survived by her husband, Dael Baird Rich; two her sons, Paul Rich, Michael Rich and his wife Paula; her granddaughter, Alice Rich; her sister, Janet Pedersen Karp; and her brother, Keith Pedersen. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be held on August 8, 2026, 10:00 am at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver, Colorado. A reception will follow immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan's memory may be made to Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, Montview Manor, or Havern School.

Joan lived a life of quiet faith, generosity, and deep love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness that will continue in the lives of those she served, loved, and encouraged.

Joan K. Pedersen-Rich Obituary Jun 26, 2026 - Monarch Society View Joan K. Pedersen-Rich's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.