Gene Yelken Obituary

Gene Dennis Yelken, minister, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2017. Gene was born October 17, 1930 in Macon, NE, the son of Frank T. and Esther Blank Yelken. After "fighting the good fight, finishing the race and keeping the faith" Gene bravely entered the "house not made with hands."

Gene graduated from Franklin NE High School in 1948. He graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1953 earning a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1960 he was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church after completing a Master's Degree in Theology at the Iliff School of Theology.

Prior to being called to the ministry Gene coached and taught for four years in Nebraska high schools. His teams won many championships; one of his track and field teams won a state class B title. In the classroom he taught English and the Biological Sciences.

As a minister Gene touched the lives of countless persons. He served as the Senior Pastor in large urban churches in Salt Lake City, Denver and Colorado Springs. He served as mentor to sixteen associate ministers. He had a gift for remembering the names of most every person he ever met, had a delightful sense of humor, loved classical music, sang in the Rocky Mountain Minister's quartette for 25 years, was active in the National Worship Association and was an effective preacher and evangelist.

Throughout his long life he enjoyed athletics. He received all state honors in football, basketball and track. His high school record in the 800 meters established in high school still stands to this day. He played semi-professional basketball and baseball. Later in life he took up the game of golf and enjoyed his membership in the Country Club of Colorado and the seniors league at Cherokee Ridge. He was a member of the N Club at the University of Nebraska, earning both freshman and varsity letters. His love for the "Big Red" never wavered.

He leaves behind his wife Miriam dePlomb, the love of his later years. His wife and companion, Alice, preceded him in death. Gene and Alice were married nearly 50 years. Also left to mourn and remember are his sons, Chris, daughter-in-law Dottie, grandchildren, Thomas and Tori, great grandchildren, Tyler, Mason and Grace.

A celebration of Gene's life will be held at the First Congregational Church at 20 E. St. Vrain Street at Monday, March 20, 2017 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that contributions be made in Gene's name to the Ecumenical Social Ministries.