Deceased

Jean Amstutz - English

Ted Amundson - Physical Education

Nancy Anderson - Business Education

Deceased

Sam Appell - Industrial Arts

Faye Arnold - English

Richard Backes - Science

Deceased

Clarence Bailey - Science

Deceased

Larry Becker - Business Education
Coach Becker passed on Monday evening, 2/14/2022. He is survived by wife Joy, daughter Kayla, and son Jeff and their families, as well as members of son Rod's family (Rod passed several years ago). 

Those of us who went through Arapahoe High School from 1964 through 1974 will remember Coach Becker as a caring man of high principles, and was always ready to stand up for and help students any time it was necessary, even when it cost him personally. Most of us remember him for his friendly and caring nature, love for his family and for his students.

The Beckers moved to Papillon, Nebraska after retirement, living close to their children and grandchildren. The remembrance services and interment of his ashes will be in Great Bend, Kansas where he was born, and where he returned after his time with us at Arapahoe High School to continue his 40+ teaching and coaching careers.

Coach Becker lived with diabetes for over 45 years, and last September 2021 he had to go on hemodialysis. He maintained his positive outlook on life, and continued to inspire people in his life to the end. Coach would have been 87 on March 3rd.

Bob Dolezal

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"Coach Becker was a positive influence in my life as my swimming coach, friend, and teacher. The team remembers our 5:30AM practices at the Littleton YMCA, especially the one when the chlorine content was way too high and we all ended up going home sick by 2nd hour! He is one of just a few teachers that I still have fond memories of, including the time he tried to hook me up with a date to prom because I was such a social bonehead that I had not idea how to do it myself.

Blessings to all the extended family, and to each of you. I pray that Coach was a child of God that we'll again see sooner rather than later.

Dick Puter

Full Obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/papillion-ne/larry-becker-10588084


 

Carolyn Brown - Foreign Languages

Pat Certain - Arts and Crafts

Deceased

John Cline - Physical Education

Deceased

John "Red" Coats - Social Sciences
John W. ``Red'' Coats, who coached Wheat Ridge to three state championships in football in 1966, 1967 and 1973, died April 6, 1999 of cancer at Mountain Vista Health Center in Wheat Ridge. He was 76.

Coats coached for 30 years in Texas and Colorado and retired in 1978 from coaching and in 1982 from teaching. His first season in Colorado was at Arapahoe High School (1963-1967) as the school's first football coach.

Deceased

John Crandall - English

Deceased

Tom Crawford - Social Sciences

Deceased

LeeRoy Daniel - Science

Lee R. Daniel, age 74, passed away 5/5/15. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 8817 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 In Lee's memory, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association at: http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp 

Deceased

Marcelene Dillon - Music
Born Jan. 29, 1929 in Marion, IN. Passed away Oct. 21, 2010 in Centennial, CO. Preceded in death by her best friend Peg Berry. Survived by her "grandchildren;" Nathanael and Emelia Steinmetz. 

Ralph Dokken - Misguidance Counselor

Don Engelhardt - Social Sciences

Deceased

Fred Foster - Industrial Arts

Deceased

John "Bud" French - Social Sciences
     John Simon "Bud" French, 78, a resident of Green Valley, AZ, died peacefully at his home after a lengthy illness January 30, 2001.  He was born and raised in Craig, Colorado, graduated Craig High School in  1940 and served in the US Navy from 1942-45.  He graduated Colorado State University in 1949 and received his masters degree from University of Northern Colorado in 1964.  During his career, Bud (also known as "Coach") was a teacher, coach and school counselor in Wray, Craig and Littleton, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and the US Dept of Defense schools in Tokyo.  Among his many awards and accomplishments, Bud was honored as "Father of the Year" in Littleton in June, 1977.   The accolades he received these past six months from former students, athletes and teachers were such a blessing.  He leaves behind many former students, counselors, teachers and friends in Littleton.

Susan Bates - He was the kindest teacher I have ever known.  He taught Biology in such a way, that I really learned a lot and enjoyed it, though, dissecting frogs was NOT my forte.  I tutored his daughter in violin after school my Junior year.  He is greatly missed, but he made a difference in this world.

Mary Lou Gates - Business Education


Robbie (Brown) Etter - I am so happy to hopefully connect with you once again and tell you THANK YOU for all your encouragement and exposure to the business end of business.  I am a bit strange, but I love typing, have always loved it, and actually took two of my favorite things, Latin and transcription, and had a successful medical transcription business for 11 years.  Typing still relaxes me, not quite as melodious as piano but I sure get my Christmas letters done on time!  Anyway, thank you for seeing or at least making me believe I was worth your effort.  You made a huge difference in my life.     

A. L. Grant - Social Sciences

Deceased

Joe  Haggerty - Assistant Principal

Shirley Hardin - Foreign Languages

Deceased

Nancy Harwood - English

Nancy Lona Harwood, 87, of Centennial, Colorado passed away peacefully on Monday, March 6, 2023.

Nancy was born on December 11, 1935, in Delavan, Wisconsin to Rollin and Lorna (Heir) Harwood. She was raised in Delavan, Wisconsin and moved to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she graduated with a bachelor's in English literature in 1957. She married Keith Schaulis in 1956 and began her teaching career in Colorado. In 1960, the couple divorced, and Nancy moved to Wisconsin where she pursued her first master's degree in English Education while teaching. Upon completion, she returned to Colorado and continued her exceptional teaching and administrative career in the Littleton Public School district.

Nancy assisted with the opening of Arapahoe High School in 1964 where she continued teaching English Literature and AP courses. After teaching at Arapahoe, she worked in administration for the Littleton Public School district and later accepted a role at Heritage High School as the Assistant Principal. During this time, she pursued her second master's degree in Secondary Administration from Colorado State University.
Nancy was appointed as the first woman principal of a 5A high school in the state of Colorado for Heritage High School in 1985. Throughout her tenure, she won many local and national awards and accolades. She also supported students in their international education by leading study abroad trips to Europe and Asia. After her role as principal, she retired from the district but continued to support Arapahoe High School with their Advanced Placement exams.

Nancy was incredibly brilliant and had an insatiable thirst for learning. Her students may recall her fastidious correction of their grammar and her genuine dedication to their learning and growth. Her students brought her immense joy and many remained in contact with her throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling internationally and exploring places of historical relevance. Whenever in her company, one would surely learn something new or interesting. She enjoyed spending time with her dear friend and housemate Jan Mitchell. She played an immense role in the upbringing of the "girls across the street," Audrey and Addison, and remained an integral part of their lives.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brother J. David Harwood, and friends Jan Mitchell, Nickie Swift, and Verna Wilborn.

Survivors include her "dear girls" Addison Welsh and Audrey White (Welsh), and friends Elveda Lund and Trina Davis. The surviving family includes cousins Richard H. Williams & Suzanne, Gregory K. Williams & Sara Anne, Gayle Ann (Williams), Lynn & Lester, and Christy S. Dugan (Williams), Brian & their children.

If you would like to donate in Nancy's memory, please visit Littleton Public Schools Foundation to donate in her memory. 

Deceased

Ellen Heeren - Science

Deceased

James Heinlein - Mathematics

Wayne Henry - English
You probably don't remember, but I was the surly punk who mouthed off to you (in front of your future wife) at a school dance, after you had caught a few of us smokin' in the boys room. I just want you to know that I'm deeply sorry for that, and thought you might like to know that not only did I turn out OK after all, but that I never forgot your model of quiet strength and restraint in the face of stupid provocation. It's a lesson that's stayed with me all these years and I thank you for teaching it to me, though you weren't my official teacher. I've been wanting to tell you that for 51 years.

Diane Henry - Mathematics
Hi, Miss Maltby!  I want to thank you for being my pal all of these years. You always encouraged me to forge ahead. I remember being in your geometry class on November 22, 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. So, Happy 50th wedding anniversary on June 5, 2015.  You and Wayne are the best!  
 

Frank Herzog - Business Education

Reg Holmes - Social Sciences

In nearly 18 years of education, some higher than others, I have had many fine teachers.  One changed my life.  Even though I was a strong "D" student in any class related to math or science, Mr. Holmes taught me learning could be difficult, exciting, and rewarding at the same time. He encouraged me to follow my own track and dared me to excel and even to lead.
The highlight of the 50th reunion will be to shake his hand and thank Reg Holmes for a gift impossible to repay.   Dave Welch
 

Deceased

Dalton Holsteen - Social Sciences
Dalton Harry Holsteen of Littleton, a teacher, died Nov. 20, 1999. He was 62.
He was born May 27, 1937, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. On Aug. 12, 1960, he married Lita Arnett.  Holsteen earned a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and a master's degree in history from the University of Colorado.  He taught at Littleton and Arapahoe high schools. He was a music director at Mission Hills Church.  He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Alane, Denver; a son, Neil, Littleton; four brothers, Verdaine, Topeka, Kan., Melbourne, Haslett, Mich., Darrell, Glen Ellyn, Ill., and Verle, Omaha; three sisters, Faith Totmeier, New London, Iowa., Marveline Bailey, Malaga, Wash., and Donnaline Street, Hot Springs Village, Ark.; and four grandchildren.

Charles Holton - Social Sciences

Chiyo Horiuchi - Special Education

Deceased

Marilyn Houlton - English

Alice Hoy - English

Deceased

JoAnne Jillson - English

Deceased

Armon Johannsen - Guidance Counselor
Armon D. Johannsen, 87, peacefully died at home on September 23, 2022, with his wife and children by his side. He was beloved by his family and was a respected friend and mentor to many.

Armon was born in Clinton, Iowa, on January 31, 1935, to Alvina Johannsen. He attended high school in DeWitt, Iowa, and upon graduation, he entered the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa. During his school years, he was a notable athlete and participated in football, basketball, baseball, and track/field. While attending university, he met his wife of 64 years, Darlene (Fisher) Johannsen. They were married on December 28, 1957, in Aurora, Illinois.

Armon graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a secondary teaching certificate. In 1960, after teaching and coaching in Dubuque for three years, he and Darlene moved to Littleton, Colorado. During his 13 years in Littleton, he taught and coached at Grant Junior High and then became a counselor at Isaac Newton Junior High. In 1964 he helped open the new Arapahoe High School and served as a counselor, then athletic director and assistant principal.

While in Littleton, he completed work for a master's degree in educational psychology, and later he completed a second master's degree in school administration, both at the University of Northern Colorado.

In 1973 he moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, and served as principal of Fort Collins High School until 1981. He then transferred to the district's central administration, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. He was honored to have the Poudre School District Johannsen Support Services Center named after him.

Armon loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer, fisherman, and hiker. He and Darlene enjoyed traveling to the backroads by car and photographing the scenery.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; son, Carl; daughter, Krissa Szmyd; son-in-law Jeff Szmyd; and grandchildren, Laurel and Matthew Szmyd.

The family will hold a private memorial service to celebrate Armon's life at a later date.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers or a tree, please donate to Rocky Mountain Conservancy (rmconservancy.org).
 

Deceased

Lyle Johnson - Guidance Counselor
Lyle O. Johnson, 76, of Aurora, went Home to be with the Lord May 13, 2010. Beloved husband of Bessie; father of Lori Tavarez, Jennifer Smith, Dalene Chin and Randy Otto; grandfather of 8; and great grandfather of 4. Also survived by sister Barbara Widner and brothers Riley and Jim Johnson. A life-long educator, Lyle graduated from South High and achieved his BA, MA, and PHD degrees from the University of Denver.

Deceased

Vaiva Kapostins - Foreign Languages
Vaiva Kapostins, 75, passed away peacefully September 12, 2013 in Lakewood, CO. Vaiva was born in Kosa County, Latvia on June 23, 1938 to Voldemars and Emilija Kapostins. She and her family fled Latvia to Germany to escape Russian occupation in 1944. They came to America in 1949 to Indiana. In 1953, Vaiva and her family moved to the Denver area where she had lived ever since. Vaiva attended South High School in Denver and graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in education. She pursued a 30+ year teaching career at Heritage High School in Littleton, CO. Vaiva belonged to the Latvian sorority Dzintras and was active in the Denver latvian community. She served on the board of the Ev. Latvian-Lutheran Church as president for 9 years. She is survived by 3 cousins, Valdis Zebauers, Liga Zebauers, and Baiba Graft.

Bill Keith - Social Sciences

Vrej Keotunian - Mathematics

Deceased

John Knipping - Principal

Jane Langford - Physical Education

Deceased

Barbara Luce - Physical Education

Blanche Martin - Business Education

Deceased

Jan Mitchell - Guidance Counselor

Janet Loraine "Jan" Mitchell, of Centennial, CO, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2021, at the age of 88.

Janet was born on May 27, 1933, in Hastings, Nebraska, to James (Jim) and Bernice Abernathy Mitchell.  She grew up in Orleans, NE, and attended ORleans Public Schoole and Kearney State Teachers College where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Art.  She then went on to get her Master's Degree in Counseling from University of Denver.

Jan began her career in Sydney, NE, teaching art and P.E.  She then moved to Colorado and continued her career in the Littleton Public Schools.  From 1957-1964 she taught  P.E. at Grant and Euclid Jr. High Schools.  In 1964 Jan was a member of the charter staff who opened Arapahoe High School and that is where she spent the remainder of her career as a counselor, retiring in 1989.  She never had children of her own, but considered each of her students as one of her own kids.  She loved kids and loved helping them through their high school years.

Jan enjoyed cooking and made the best cinnamon rolls and stroganoff around.  She loved to go to lunch with her niece and try new restaurants, but her favorite lunch outing was always to Pappadeaux.  She was an avid golfer and later in life, when she could not golf anymore, she loved to watch golf on TV, especially her favorite golfer Freddy Couples.  A devout Colorado Rockies fan, Jan enjoyed sitting on her patio having a Scotch and watching her Rockies.  Jan was an animal lover whether it be dogs, cats, birds, squirrels or the fox in her backyard.

Jan is survived by her brother Jim (Bernie) Mitchell of Bozeman, MT; sister Jouce (VT) Miller of Lincoln, NE; niece Andrea (Blane) Edwards and their children Keaton, Hannah and Logan; nephew Jim (Amy) Mitchell and their children Henry, Oliver and Maggie; nephews Tom (Judy) Miller, Brad (Kelly) Miller and their children Caith, Harper, Landon and Nicholas and Andy (Jill) Miller and their daughter Maren; amazing friends Nancy Harwood, Elveda Lund and Trina Davis of Centennial, CO, and her "adopted" daughters Addison Welsh and Audrey Welsh (Kyle White) of Centennial, CO.

Jan's glass was always overflowing with positivity.  She always had a smile on her face and a kind word to share.  She never met a stranger she didn't like and loved to talk to anyone especially if they went to Arapahoe High School.  She was a devoted sister, an amazing aunt and a loving friend to many.

Jan was preceded in death by her dad and mom, James and Bernice Mitchell and her good friends Nickie Swift and Verna Wilborn.

Memorials may be made in Jan's name to Arapahoe High School in Centennial, CO or the Dumb Friends League.

Mary McBrayer - Social Sciences

Deceased

Larry Nelson - Driver's Ed

Deceased

George Neuvirth - Foreign Languages

John Pennoyer - Social Sciences

Dorothy Pepello - English

Chris Pipho - Assistant Principal

Deceased

Richard Romero - Foreign Languages

09/05/1936 - 10/17/2022
 
Richard Romero, 86, of Denver entered into eternal rest on October 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ault, CO, he attended Colorado State College (now UNC) and earned both a BA and MA degree. Richard served in the US Army from 1959-1961. Upon discharge, he married the love of his life, Esther Lopez. A lifelong educator, Richard was a founding faculty member at Arapahoe H.S. teaching Spanish. After retirement, he worked for FEMA disaster recovery.

Richard had many talents. He was an elite runner and member of CMRA. He completed 23 marathons, over 200 half marathons, and countless 10K and 5K races. For 20 years he and friends organized the El Grito 5K race to raise scholarship funds for student runners. Richard and Esther were Broncos season ticket holders for 52 years. He made chokecherry wine, traveled extensively with family, and enjoyed going to casinos. His greatest love was his family. He was a proud father and grandfather - attending his grandchildren's sporting events, performances, and many activities. He will be remembered for his humor, generosity, kindness, wisdom, resilience, and courage.

Richard is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Esther Romero, his daughters, Rosana (Dean) Trujillo, Carla (Arturo) Perez, Diana (John) Romero Campbell, and his grandchildren Arturito, Juliana, Claudia, Sofia, Orlando, Geronimo and Alicia, his brother Ben (Mary) Romero, his sister Joana Green and numerous extended family members.

Deceased

A. R. Samuel - Social Sciences

Dorothy Scarlett - Home Economics

Linda Schaefer - Mathematics

Deceased

Gordon Scheele - Science

Elizabeth Scott - Foreign Languages

Deceased

Gene Scrimpsher - English / Drama

Mike Ziemba -  Hello, Gene!  Thanks to you, I have many fond memories of my brief time at Arapahoe High School (especially of my participation in Annie Get Your Gun and The Importance of Being Earnest). You were one of the teachers there who inspired me to become a teacher myself. I hope you know how profoundly you have affected the lives of so many people down through the years. All the very best to you!
 

William Sigler - Mathematics

Beckie Steele - Social Sciences

Deceased

Carroll Swift - English
My senior year with you became special because what I learned from you helped me in college.   Sometimes I think teachers wonder if they made a difference.   You definitely did with me - while in college and when I taught school and even when I started my own business.   Thank You

Deceased

Tim Tarleton - Social Sciences

James Thompson - Science

Phyllis Vandehaar - Arts and Crafts

I loved your art classes.  You made us stretch outside our comfort zones.  Pottery was one of my favorite (remember the "Raku" experience with Gene Lang).  I have always wanted to let you know the great influence you had on me.  I apprenticed in a Dental lab during college and found my place in the art of making people smile.  We own a dental lab and I get to "sculpt" teeth to make people feel good about their smiles.  38 years and loving every minute of it.  Thank You!

Raymond VanderLeest - Science

Morris Vogel -Business Education

Deceased

Les Welker - Mathematics

Les Welker, age 80, passed away March 24, 2016.  He was born February 15, 1936 in Pawnee, OK, to Gladys Bernice Shields and Leslie Layton Welker.  Wes is survived by his wife of 59 years, 7 children and 15 grandchildren.  Les attended Stillwater, OK High School and received a football scholarship to the University of Colorado.   He grraduated from Oklahoma State University.  Wes was a mathematics teacher from 1964-1991 at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado.  He enjoyed many years of success coaching football, including a State Championship victory in 1970.  Les' favorite hobbies were fly fishing and downhill skiing.  He loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed.
 

Jack Young - Driver's Ed

Deceased

Phil Zamora - Social Sciences

William Zediker - English