Dennis Duane Springer was born on January 10, 1953, in Pueblo, Colorado to Glen D. and Angelina L. (Andreatta) Springer. He passed away on October 3, 2025, at his home in Howe, Oklahoma at the age of 72.
Dennis grew up in Rouse, Colorado, a very small and remote town with his three siblings. He attended school in Rouse, which was the last known one-room schoolhouse in Colorado. After leaving high school, he earned a welding certificate, which he would use in various ways throughout his lifetime, including having part in the building of the Stapleton Airport and Air Force Command Center
among other notable projects. He married Theresa Smeal on June 18, 1975, in Colorado and together they had 50 years together, building a wonderful life and raising their children. Dennis worked as a park ranger for the National Park Service in Colorado, then later worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation as a snowplow driver. He plowed the treacherous roads of the Kenosha, Wilkerson and Hoosier Pass’. He retired from his state job in 2013. Although he held jobs with the state, his greatest and most fulfilling job was running his cattle ranch in Hartsel. He had a lifelong passion for ranching and Colorado agriculture. He was a member of the Central Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and served as vice president and president. His love for the outdoors and nature didn’t stop at ranching; he also enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Dennis had tremendous love for his family. He was a dad that was at every ball game his kids played, and he enjoyed watching his grandkids in their sports as well. His grandkids loved going to visit their home, there was always so much fun to have and unconditional love was plentiful. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and provider and he will be missed greatly. Dennis was of the Catholic faith and a member of the Knights of Colombus in Buena Vista.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Theresa, his children Wendy Nichols and husband Benny of Molina, CO, Gail Springer of Farmington, AR and Sandy Jones of Grand Junction, Preston Springer and wife Erin of Hartsel, CO and Owen Springer and wife Stephanie of Howe, OK, daughter-in-law, Joy Springer-Reed of Rock Springs, WY; brother, Justin Springer and wife Debbie of North Glenn, CO; two sisters, Janet Wilson of Brush, CO and Sharon Quick and husband Craig of Woodrow, CO; 15 grandchildren, Justin, Daigen, Jerome, Tristin, Dusten, Haylee Jo, Corina, Angelina, Kaylie, Ely, Lyla, Quinton, Carson, Dean, and Sage and two great grandchildren, Chase and Ridge, along with his siblings, many cousins, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Scott Springer; brother, Loren Springer and nephew/Godson, Stephen Springer.
The Celebration of Life Services for Dennis will be held 12noon – Friday, October 17, 2025, at the American Legion 601 Clark Street Fairplay, Colorado. The Family of Dennis Springer invite all to come celebrate Dennis’ life and fellowship with his family.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
“Through Love, Serve One Another”
The Family of Dennis Springer has entrusted his arrangements to Holt Funeral and Cremation, 522 Dewey Ave Poteau, OK 74953, (918) 721-0026. Poteau’s Only 100% Locally Owned and Family Operated Funeral Home – Our Family, Loving Your Family Through
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