Pete Mirich

Pete Mirich, 92, of LaSalle, CO passed away on July 25, 2017. He was born on April 3, 1925 in Mount Harris, CO to Sam and Andja (Raicevich) Mirich. Pete grew up in Gebo, WY and Rock Springs, WY. He graduated from Rock Springs High School. After high school Pete served in the United States Navy where he was awarded the Purple Heart. While still in Rock Springs, he worked as a draftsman, a police officer, and a special agent for Union Pacific Railroad. On August 30, 1952, in Cody, WY, Pete married Esther Kuntz. Following the marriage, the couple moved to Greeley, CO where Pete received his master’s degree from Colorado State College. During his time in the Greeley area Pete was an Industrial Arts teacher at Valley RE-1, a principal at Platteville Elementary, and later an elementary and middle school principal in LaSalle. He was incredibly proud of having the elementary school in LaSalle named after him when he retired. Pete enjoyed fishing, and collecting antiques and tools. He loved doing projects and working with his hands. Pete was also very dedicated to his family who counted on him for his positive attitude and good humor. Pete was a founding member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in LaSalle, the VFW in Cody, American Legion, Phi Delta Kappa, and numerous other professional organizations. He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Esther of LaSalle; children, Debbie Rude of Loveland, CO, Brad (Linda) Mirich of Loveland, and Barb (Del) Farrer of Latimer, IA; grandchildren, April Heaton of Yuma, CO, Heath (Lydia) Boyes of Windsor, CO, Jessica (Matt) Brien of Loveland, Danno (Maddie) Rude of Loveland, Ben (Katie) Rude of Loveland, Jenna Rude of Longmont, CO, Todd (Rachael) Mirich of Centennial, CO, and Zachary Mirich of Loveland; great-grandchildren, Tasha, Cyera, Addie, Kennedy, and Kambrie Andja; brother, Guy (Wilma) Mirich of Arizona; sister, Helen Trimble of Boston, MA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and former students. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dan, Nick, and Bob; and sister, Millie. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017 with a Life Celebration service at 11:00 a.m., both at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1865 14th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634. Interment with military honors will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be shared with the family at adamsoncares.com