Arlen Debus

Arlen Dean Debus passed away on July 19, 2020 in Haxtun at the age of 88.

Arlen was born on March 4, 1932 to Philip and Catherine (Constance) Debus in Haxtun. He attended elementary and high school in Crook, graduating in 1950. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at the age of 16 at the German Congregational Church, now the United Church of Crook. He attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado A & M University in Ft. Collins, graduating from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley with a degree in education. Upon graduation, Arlen toured the eastern half of the United States with a college buddy, sleeping in horse barns along the way.

Arlen married the love of his life, Kathryn Leffler on Aug. 2, 1959, in Greeley. They were the parents of three daughters Marsha, Janette and Colleen. He began his teaching career at Wauneta, Neb., where he taught and coached at the high school level. In 1961, the family moved to the family homestead where they lived and farmed in Crook. In 1976, Arlen returned to teaching in Haxtun where he taught and coached at the Jr. High level. After 13 years, Arlen's health and loss of hearing forced him to retire from teaching. His time quickly became occupied with what he loved most, helping local farmers with their farming operations. During his retirement years, Arlen and Kathryn hosted three high school exchange students from Mexico. Developing a strong bond with Alex, Jorge and Oscar, they traveled to Mexico to meet their families.

Arlen was an avid sports lover attending any game he could find. Long after his grandchildren were out of school, he loved watching the Haxtun Bulldogs. Even though it was evident his glaucoma was hindering his ability to see, he could be seen shuffling up the stands, and at times be seen driving across the school lawn, trying to park his van. He and Kathryn were honored to be chosen as Super Boosters by the Haxtun Booster Club in 2001. Arlen also loved to travel. He and Kathryn were fortunate to have taken a slew of road trips, many times with each of their daughter's families.

He also loved to golf and spend his free time each summer at the golf course. It was a joy for him to teach and take his grandchildren to the golf course as often as he could until his health made it difficult for him to enjoy the sport anymore.

Buddy, as he was known to his family, loved farm life and agriculture in general; but above all, his wife and family were the most important to him. He was a dedicated father and husband, being the caretaker of his wife Kathryn for 11 of the 18 years she was a paraplegic, after suffering a massive stroke shortly before their 44th wedding anniversary. He was truly a loving husband honoring his wife with their wedding vows of "in sickness and health, till death do us part."

The past three years Arlen faced many health challenges from his Parkinson's, Diabetes and Dementia, causing him to lose his eye sight and hearing, eventually making the final move from his home to the Extended Care Unit in Haxtun where he was able to spend his final days next to his beloved bride prior to her death. Even though he always wanted to go home, Arlen remained faithful and always said he lived a blessed life.

Arlen is survived by daughters Marsha Hagemeyer and husband Dennis, Haxtun, Janette Michel and husband Gary, Atwood, and Colleen Lockwood and husband Rick, Haxtun; grandchildren Alison Michel, Atwood, Jordan Hagemeyer and wife Taylor, Sidney, Neb., Andrew Michel, Atwood, Kaitlin Hiller and husband Kirk, Haxtun, and Karci Mattson and husband Geoff, Grand Junction; great grandchildren Palmer Brook and Ian Hagemeyer, Sidney, and Hallie Hiller, Haxtun; sister Betty Norden and husband Roy, Ft. Collins; sister in-law Judy Debus, Sterling; brother in-law Walter Amen; step-sisters Cordelia Broman and Donna Busch, Lincoln, Neb.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arlen was greeted in heaven by his loving wife Kathryn. He is preceded in death by his mother Catherine; father Philip; step-mother Rachel; sister in-law Louise Amen; step-sister Beverly Culp; brother in-law Roland Kissler; sister in-law Mary Kissler; and brother Arthur Debus. Arlen will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. A memorial service will be held on Aug. 3 at Haxtun Berean Bible Church at 10:30 am. with Pastor Eric Wait officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Arlen's honor to the American Diabetes Association.

Baucke Funeral Homes and Monuments are in charge of arrangements.