Obituary of Jean Schlichenmayer

Jean Schlichenmayer, longtime resident of Kit Carson County, CO, died at home in Grand Junction, CO, on March 2. She was 85 years old. Born July 19, 1927 in Stratton, CO, Jean was the eldest daughter of Earl and Lucy (Wood) Messenger. Jean’s grandfather was Ira D. Messenger. As a county commissioner, he was instrumental in purchasing the famed Kit Carson County Carousel from Elitch Gardens in 1928 and bringing it to Burlington, CO. A controversial purchase during the Great Depression, it is now a national historic landmark and the crowned jewel of the county. Jean was a tireless supporter of the carousel’s preservation, and for many years was an active participant in the Kit Carson County Carousel Association. The love of Jean’s life was her husband, Pete. They were married for 52 years and raised three children together. A popular auctioneer in the county, Pete relied on Jean to manage his business records and produce auction listings, which she did loyally for 43 years. During the building of Interstate 70 in 1967-69, Jean managed the office for the resident engineers of the Colorado Highway Department. Later, the Colorado State Patrol established a sub-station and Jean worked for the CSP until she retired in 1985. After Jean retired, she remained devoted to “her troopers.” When she moved to Bethune, she installed a police scanner so she could stay apprised of what was going on out on the highway and make sure the troopers were safe. Her home came to be known by the dispatcher as “10-7 in Bethune” as the troopers could take their break but still listen to the scanner and be back out on I-70 at a moment’s notice if there was an emergency. Over the years, many of the troopers were just like family to Jean. Family was important to Jean and she expanded the number of people she thought of as family countless times over the course of her life. Her generous spirit was reflected time and again in the helping hand she offered to those around her — family, friends and even people she barely knew. If someone needed help, she never hesitated to give of herself. She had an abiding faith in the Lord that guided her and also sustained her through many physical ailments over the years. She always faced her health challenges with her strong Lutheran beliefs and Irish determination and never gave up, even when the odds were stacked against her. Jean is survived by sons Larry (Michielle) of Fruita, CO, and Edward (Pam) of Wellington, OH; daughter Ree (Michael) Thompson of Aurora, CO, and adopted daughter Iris (Darrell) Roths of Arapahoe, CO. Her family also includes ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Dorothy Weaver of Mesa, AZ. Preceding her in death were her husband Pete, her parents, her brother and one granddaughter.