Francis Andrew (Frank) Lotrich, 81, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Saturday, October 5th, at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, La Junta.

Francis was born in Denver, CO on April 30, 1938, a son of the late Mildred Viola (Thomas) and Victor Francis Lotrich.

He was the husband of Maria Luisa (Herrera) Lotrich, they were married on August 6, 1966 in Lumberton, NM.

Frank was more than a husband, father, grand-father, great-grand-father, brother, uncle, teacher and friend. To the world he may have been one person, but to the rest of us, he was our world. He grew up amidst the prairies of eastern Colorado during the emergence of the Great Depression and he learned to make do with very little. He learned a love of nature and archaeology from his father, and a love of art and literature from his mother. This love turned into a passion and a life-long journey of collecting books. He passed along these loves to the rest of us. He obtained his chemistry degree from Colorado College, and a Master's degree from Highlands University. After teaching in Colorado, he went to teach on the Jicarilla Apache reservation in Dulce, NM, where he met his wife and started a family. He proposed at sunset overlooking the prairie dog towns of northern New Mexico. He taught high school chemistry for much of his career, including some wonderful years in Australia. He believed completely in the importance and the value of learning and discovery and he believed in nurturing the independent spirit in each of us. Many students fondly remember the chalk in his hair, jumping on a table to illustrate quantum states, and his genuine, sheer love of learning. Cards, laughter, debate, games and goulash often occurred at the dinner table. He was an early riser who enjoyed the calls of the birds and the beauty of sunrise. His mind remained active until, and he still engaged daily in reading, talking, crosswords, music and most importantly—loving us. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, Luisa of the home; Son Francis (Diana) Lotrich, of Grand Junction, CO; Daughter Benita Lotrich, of Canon City, CO; Son Andrew (Kelly) Lotrich, of Fowler, CO; Son Anthony Lotrich, of Rocky Ford, CO; Brother Alfred (Barbara) Lotrich, of Pueblo, CO; Grandson Karl Darnell, of Canon City, CO; Grandson Floyd AC (Melissa) Darnell, of Savannah, GA; Granddaughter Tessie Lotrich, of Fowler, CO; Granddaughter Sylvie Lotrich, of Fowler, CO; Great-Granddaughter Magnolia Joy Darnell, of Savannah, GA.

Per his request there will be no services. Inurnment will be private at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fowler Historical Society, 114 N. Main Fowler, CO 81039.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.