Obituary of Harley Pottorff

Longtime Stratton, Colorado resident, Harley Edward Pottorff passed away on June, 18, 2013 at the Elms Haven Nursing Home in Thornton, Colorado. He was 86 years old. Harley was born on December 12, 1926 to Calvin D. and Belle (Anderson) Pottorff in Ford County, Kansas. He was one of eleven children born to this union. Harley attended school near Healy, Kansas and in Stratton, and graduated from Stratton High School in 1945. Following high school, He served in the Air Force, stationed in Wichita Falls, and was discharged in 1946 and then remained in the Air Force Reserves until 1949. Harley began farming in Stratton when he returned from the Air Force. On January 8, 1947, he married June Maxine Kountz in Seibert, Colorado. To this union there were four children born: Connie, Sherry, Ed, and Todd. They continued working and living on the farm until 1966. Harley had one of the first irrigation wells in Kit Carson County. After selling the farm, Harley purchased the Collins Hotel, later changing the name to Twin Oaks Hotel and Apartments. This purchase became his passion and consumed the remainder of his working life. Harley was a member of the Stratton United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, going camping and boating, discussing Politics, going to family reunions, and as a young man he loved to play baseball. Harley was preceded in death by his parents, wife June, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Left to cherish his memories is his children; Connie Volskis and husband Will of Aurora, Colorado, Sherry Lupher and husband Van of Aurora, Colorado, Ed Pottorff and wife Laura of Thornton, Colorado, Todd Pottorff and wife Sandra of Ft. Worth, Texas, brothers; Kenny Pottorff and wife Nancy of Stratton, Colorado, Bob Pottorff and wife June of Stratton, Colorado, Loren Pottorff and wife Darlene of Ft. Collins, Colorado and one sister Doris Bose of Greeley, Colorado. Also surviving him are numerous nieces, nephews and friends.