Obituaries

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 30, 2003

MICHAEL PAUL JOHNSON

Michael "Junior" Johnson, 60, passed away on December 28, 2003. He was born in Syracuse, New York on June 14, 1943.

Michael got his education in Syracuse and worked as a Taxi driver for a number of years. He served in the U.S. Army for nine years, having been stationed in Korea and Colorado Springs. Michael relocated to Colorado Springs in 1979, and met Grace Johnson (Pal- Ing), and they married March 6, 1982. Michael worked in the computer industry until his disability in 2000.

He is survived by his loving wife and five children: Jan-Michael G. Johnson, Michael Anthony Johnson, Guy Edmund G. Yurong, Allan Paulo Johnson, and Maricel M. Johnson; a brother, Francis (Frank) and his wife Barbara Johnson of Camillus, New York; (1) Niece; (2) Nephews; and numerous cousins in Syracuse, New York.

Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at Mountain View Mortuary, 2350 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, 719-590-8922.

Services to be held Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at 10:00 a.m., in the Mountain View Mortuary Chapel, with cremation to follow.

WAYNE G. FINKRAL

Wayne G. Finkral, 75, of Colorado Springs, died Tuesday, December 23, 2003 in a local hospital. He retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service and serving two combat tours in Vietnam. He enlisted in the service from Nebraska. His military awards included the Combat Infantry Badge, Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars and eight other medals and awards and decorations.

Wayne was born on November 22, 1928 in Madison County, NE, to Elmer and Merle (Thatch) Finkral.

He and his wife Gertrude, now deceased, were married December 4, 1954 in New Ulm, Germany. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Mahler.

Wayne is survived by his niece, Sherry Praeuner of Sun City West, AZ, cousin Mike Thatch of Norfolk, NE and friend Kathy Yarrow of Colorado Springs, CO.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at Dove-Witt Family Mortuary Chapel, 6630 South Highway 85/87, Fountain, CO.

Full military honors will be rendered. Inurnment will follow at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO.

Serving thE family, Colorado Springs Mortuary & Cremation Service, 3475 Astrozon Court, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. (719) 392-4144.

LT. COLONEL (RETIRED) MITCHELL ROY VERBURG

Lt. Colonel Mitchell Roy Verburg (Retired) passed away December 25, 2003. He was born May 3, 1915, Coutts, Alberta, Canada. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 61 years; sons Mitchell Jr. and wife Anke, Mark and daughter Marian Volk. He also had two grandsons, Eric Verburg and Guy Volk, and one great-grandson Steven.

He served 24 years in the military. Mitchell came to Fort Carson in the original cadre in 1942. During his tour of duty, he worked with the allied military government in Italy.

His military career was followed by 12 years with the Air Force Academy Post Office in Colorado Springs. Mitchell was an avid genealogist and fierce competitor on the cribbage board.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, December 30, at 4:00 p.m., at the Mountain View Mortuary, 2350 Montebello Square Drive.

DONALD R. PERUE

Donald R. Perue, age 78, a Colorado Springs resident since 1953, passed away on Friday December 26, 2003.

Donald was born on July 23, 1925 in Laramie, Wyoming to Robert and Minnie Perue.

Donald was a lifetime member of the Elks #309 and the Fraternal Order of the Moose. He was an Army veteran from1950-1952 and served in the Korean War.

Mr. Perue married Joan Wyse on June 08, 1952 in Canon City, Colorado. He is survived by his wife Joan who resides in Colorado Springs, his son Rod and granddaughter Nicole of Coventry, Rhode Island and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at Memorial Gardens Chapel, 3825 Airport Road.

Memorial donations may be made to Laurel Manor Care Center, 920 South Chelton Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.

ALVERA LOIS WALTER

Alvera Lois Walter, 87, passed away December 27, 2003 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was a hairdresser.

Alvera was born on July 2, 1916 in Victor, CO, to Ernest W. & Alberta (Stephens) Adams.

She is survived by her children; Juanita (Tom) Nixon and Alberta Griswold, grandchildren; Jim (Cindy) Griswold, Tammy Griswold, Sherri (Rob) Ramsey, Tom (Christy) Nixon, and great-grandchildren; Thera Duncan, Rylee Ramsey, Robby Griswold, Colton Nixon, Jacob Griswold and Caleb Griswold. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Robert Walter.

Private graveside services were held at Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs.

ROY C. HOWELL

Roy C. Howell, a 50 year resident of Security, CO, died Friday, December 26, in an automobile accident. Roy was 75.

He leaves behind a host of memories for people to whom he was an example, a mentor, a colleague and best friend.

Roy was born in Greenville, SC, to Ollie Phillips and Grady Howell. Upon graduating from high school, he entered the United States Air Force and served four years during the Korean conflict. While stationed in Colorado Springs, he met and married his wife of more than forty years, Eleanor, affectionately called Josie, who preceded him in death in 1996.