Lonnie James VanDegrift
November 24, 1960 ~ April 13, 2025
Lonnie James VanDegrift, 64, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, surrounded by love.
Lonnie was born to Val Luis VanDegrift and Patricia Nolan O’Brien and grew up with his beloved siblings Val Wayne, Tyre Allen, Tori Susan, and Dawn K. He built a beautiful life with his husband, Levi Brekke, creating a home that was as welcoming and full of joy as Lonnie himself.
Over his more than 20-year career in child support services, Lonnie worked passionately to support families across Colorado. He began his work in Larimer County, where he held a variety of roles from case establishment to interstate case enforcement. His dedication led him to the State of Colorado, where he served as a financial analyst, offering guidance and support to county implementation teams statewide.
Lonnie had a gift for bringing people together. He loved socializing, exploring the outdoors, traveling, going to the movies, and had a particular love for the color green. St. Patrick’s Day was his favorite holiday, and he delighted in traveling with family and friends to Irish festivals around the country. He also had a deep appreciation for art, especially glasswork, and took pride in filling his home with warmth, beauty, and love.
A memorial gathering will be held at Stork-Morley Funeral Home and Cremation on April 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., where family and friends are invited to come together in fellowship and remembrance. A Celebration of Life will also be held in September at Lonnie and Levi’s home, followed by the spreading of Lonnie’s ashes.
Lonnie’s spirit, generosity, and laughter will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.
Services
Memorial Gathering: April 17, 2025 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Stork-Morley Funeral Home
1895 Wadsworth Blvd.,
Lakewood, Colorado 80214
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2025-04-17 16:00:00
2025-04-17 07:00:00
LonnieJamesVanDegriftMemorial Gathering
Memorial Gathering
1895 Wadsworth Blvd., ,Lakewood, Colorado 80214
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Levi, I’m sorry to hear of Lonnie’s passing, may he rest in peace.
Rest in power Uncle Jimmy. I love you and I will miss you always. 💜
He loved Levi soooo much and his family..always loved his trips to see his cousins and hang out…
RIP BUDDY!! I LOVE YOU
Tracy Conboy at Higdons Hair Salon
It’s so hard to let go of a friend of 20 years. We first met at Sunset Towers when you and Levi were just moving in, and we last met on a double date with you two on Valentine’s Day this year. We’ll miss you, and we’ll try to take good care of Levi. Happy journey.
You have been my best friend for 36 years.Your still here with .we have fun time .I am going to miss you my friend .I love Chavela . You made fun of my Aunt’s name Chavela (Isabel) so that became you name since I first met you. I love you my friend it’s not good bye, its see you later .Save a seat for me up there at the bar in Heaven next to you.
Dear Lonnie, Your earthly journey has ended, and your next journey has begun. You were a special person who graced many lives. I will miss you along with so many others. My heart goes out to Levi at this difficult time. I hope Levi is comforted by so many wonderful memories and the thoughts and prayers of so many friends. Dear Lonnie, it is now time for some well-deserved rest. From Hamlet: “May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”.
”And now the journey is over, too short, alas, too short. It was filled with adventure and wisdom, laughter and love, gallantry and grace. So farewell, farewell.” Constantine P. Cavafy’s poem “Ithaca…