Obituary of Jerry Chubbuck

Gerald Allen Chubbuck was born on 0ct. 22, 1930 to Melden and Ruth Chubbuck in Arriba, CO. Gerald or Jerry as most people knew him grew up on a farm north of Arriba and graduated from Arriba High School in 1950. Jerry enlisted in the Marines but later received an honorable release from duties because of health complications and returned home where he worked on the farm. Jerry's passions included hunting game from rabbits to deer and elk but then later turned to artifacts. He enjoyed playing cards with the guys and later with the guys and their wives. Jerry developed an obsession for hunting Indian artifacts. He discovered on Dec. 8, 1957 an archeological site, later named the Olsen-Chubbuck bison site. He also discovered an Indian princess burial and a prehistoric mammoth tusk and skull. He collected bottles, insulators, rocks, Indian artifacts, antiques, and much more. He married his wife Esther of almost fifty years on Sept. 9, 1963. Together they have three children, Allen, Connie, and Ann. In 1967, Jerry purchased the Genoa Tower where he lived out his dream of collecting, trading and displaying his Indian Artifacts along with many other collectables. He enjoyed entertaining, visiting and meeting all the people that toured his museum. He was well- known for his sense of humor, his free spirit, his knowledge of artifacts, his friendly smile, and his jokes and for his dedication to the Genoa Tower establishment. Jerry and the Tower, with its many unique items, were featured in numerous books, magazines, newspapers articles and television and news broadcast. Jerry would often receive countless letters and cards from delighted visitor that had toured his museum thanking him for their wonderful time. Jerry made a living, loving what he was doing and doing what he loved and it showed. Jerry was diagnosed with diabetes in 2000 had been struggling with health issues. He died on Aug.4 2013 at Penrose Hospital in CO Springs due to complications. Jerry leaves behind a legacy that will forever be missed. He is survived by wife Esther, children Allen, Connie, Ann, his sister's Yvonne (Rob) Mccaleb, Sharon (Bud) Johnson, and brother Don (Delorse) Chubbuck, six grandchildren numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.