LaVerne James Wahlert, known to many as "Hoot", passed away at his home Saturday, September 2, 2023.

Hoot was born December 13, 1938, at his home in Exira, Iowa to James and Arlene (Schwab) Wahlert. He was the second of four children. In 1944 his family moved to Hillrose, Colorado where he and his brother Ed shared many adventures on their family farm. He graduated from Hillrose High School in 1957 and went to work for Betty & Shorty Leis on their farm in Merino. He met the love of his life (Patricia Columbia) the summer of 1960 while he and his friend were "dragging Main" in Fort Morgan. Patricia was scared she'd get in trouble with her father, so she told him her name was Sue Calhoun. His love was persistent, and he continued to ask her on dates until she finally said yes. In February 1961 he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska where he served for 3 years. Pat knew he was one of a kind and she wanted to spend her life with him, so they wed on June 17, 1961. Pat followed him to Alaska, and they welcomed their only pride and joy, Rhonda, on December 9, 1962. He loved his daughter more than life itself and would do anything for her, which he did until the very end.

After being discharged from the Army he returned to Fort Morgan where he started with Great Western Sugar. He worked hard and was given various promotions with the company that took him and his family to several different states. In 1974 they finally moved back to Fort Morgan where they laid their roots until his retirement in 2003 after 41 years of service with Great Western Sugar. He knew a beet piler like the back of his hand and could build & fix them with his eyes closed.

He welcomed his two grandchildren, Torrie in 1987 & Trenton in 1992. He was a loving and giving grandpa who would do anything and give anything to see them smile. He loved to take them fishing in the mountains, help them build/create school projects (they were ALWAYS the best done with a VERY high level of detail), never missed a sporting event and taught them the ways of life and to always be kind.

He enjoyed fishing in Estes Park, loved to play cards, especially pitch and 31. He was a member of the VFW where he enjoyed many cold beverages after a hard day's work. He loved to have a good time and share stories at The Wahlert family reunions. He could build or fix anything and was happy to help anyone and always did so with a smile on his face and a whistling tune. He is known by his family for making the best homemade ice cream, even though his wife was the one who made the mixture. He loved his wife Pat, his daughter Rhonda, and his grandchildren more than anything and was always happy when he could spend time with them and lend them a hand.

He is survived by his family and all that loved him including his soulmate Patricia (Columbia) Wahlert of 62 years. Daughter Rhonda (Scott) Westover, granddaughter Torrie (Marc) Martinez, grandson Trenton (Heather) Westover. Brother Richard Leroy (Linda) Wahlert, Sister Betty Ann (Tom) Wiemann, several sister & brother in laws, and many many adored nieces & nephews and their spouses and families. Plus, many wonderful friends that he cherished and enjoyed life with.

He will be missed for his loyalty, kind spirit and infectious smile that lasted till the very end!

Please join us for an open house on Saturday, September 30th from 1-4pm at The Place Bar & Grill in Hillrose for a celebration of life.