Longtime valley resident “Jack” John Joseph Oberrick, 87, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in the Evergreen Nursing Home in Alamosa.

Born in Durango, CO on March 26, 1931 to Louis and Lena Oberrich, Jack moved with his family to the Alamosa area when he was young and later graduated from Alamosa High School in 1949. He went on to attend Adams State College before enlisting into the US Navy, where he served aboard the USS Orkiskany during the Korean conflict. After his service, he returned and graduated from Adams State College, where he met Marilyn Mott and married her in 1955. Together, they raised their family in the Alamosa area for many years, while working for the Alamosa National Bank and serving in several community organizations, before moving to northern New Mexico for a time. They would eventually enjoy living in Salida, CO; Canon City, CO; Monte Vista, CO; and Mesa AZ, before returning back to the Alamosa area in 1997 to retire and enjoy their small farm home south of town.

Remembered for his friendliness and humility along with a wonderful sense of humor, love of family and friends, enjoyment for the outdoors (especially fly fishing) and his athletic abilities during his high school and college days, he was a 4-year starter on the high school football and basketball teams, earning All-State honors in basketball, and went on to captain the football and basketball teams at Adams State. He loved those days as an athlete and his time in the Navy and enjoyed reminiscing with family and friends until the very end.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn, his parents, and his brother Lewis. He is survived by his children and their spouses:  John and (Fiona) Oberrick of Temecula CA, Leslie and (Clayton) Evans of Vista CA, James and (Careena) Oberrick of Monte Vista CO; his grandchildren Connor Oberrick, Samantha Evans-Gustafson, Jayce Gustafson, McKayla Evans, Jameson Oberrick, Hayden Oberrick, and Jackson Oberrick; his sisters Joan Sheeley and Caroline Houchin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of Jack’s life is being planned for 11:00 am, Saturday, October 20, 2018, at the Alamosa Third Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 300 Richardson Ave, in Alamosa CO. A graveside ceremony to honor Jack’s service in the US Navy will follow at 2:00 pm, at the Alamosa Cemetery.

The family also extends a very special thank you to the many wonderful folks of the community who helped Jack after the passing of his wife Marilyn. From the folks at the South Central Colorado Seniors that provided “Meals on Wheels” for him, especially Mike Chavez; the folks at the VA clinic, SLV Health and Dr Cooper and her staff; to the very special and wonderful staff of Evergreen Nursing Home--we will never forget the love and care that each of you provided our father--we are humbled by your efforts and forever grateful. And lastly, thank you to our dear friend Ruthie Brown for all of your help and support.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and remarks for John’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com