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BORN
1930
DIED
2021
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Iris Draper Obituary
Iris (Loeser) Draper
March 4, 1930
August 22, 2021
Iris Loeser Draper passed from this world on August 22, 2021. She was born in Coburg, Bavaria Germany the youngest of three girls born to Erwin and Else Loeser (Grosser).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Else Loeser; sisters, Christl (Carl) Hansen, Ursula (Harlan) Choate; and their husbands, Claude Marksheffel Adams, and Dr. Paul H. Draper.
She is survived by her sons, Kenneth Marksheffel (Lauren) Adams and Gordon Loeser (Susan) Adams; brother, Peter (Heidrun) Bach; grandsons, Shelton Loeser (Jane) Adams, Dr. Cooper Jay (Chloe) Adams; and two great grandchildren, Quinn, and Luke Adams.
Iris loved sports; her favorite was skiing. When Ski Broadmoor opened in 1959, she became one of the first ski instructors and later Ski School Director where she became the "Great Dame" of Colorado Springs skiers for 30 years. Her unique programs for youth skiing, the "Hat Program and Ski Bees", taught more than 10,000 youngsters the joys of skiing. Her Night Ski School was wildly popular with adults, teaching basics of the sport to thousands of Springs residents.
Highlights of her skiing career include, appearing in a Warren Miller Film, participating in President Nixon's Inauguration Parade, hosting a local TV Ski Program "Ask Iris", training a blind girl to ski, and participating in the Special Olympics, as well as multiple nominations to the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame.
She loved animals, gardening, knitting, swimming, the beach, golf, and much more. Iris said, "She has loved and lived a full life", and now it's time to see her "Good Lord". She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
A Celebration of Iris' life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 1, 2021, at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Iris Draper
Bill Carle
September 10, 2024
Hello to all the ski B´moor veterans.
Always think
Of Iris when I´m
Showing people around and go by the house on the corner of Mesa. Had a cup
Of coffee with Lisa Gooch yesterday at Buffalo Bills and reminisced about those days. Learned about the passing of Tatiana. Fond memories.
Adrian and Betsey Choate
September 22, 2021
We miss you so much Tante II.
Miss your singing Happy Birthday.
Love you so much.
Art Barr, Jr.
September 21, 2021
I took night time skiing lessons from Iris in the 1960's at The Ski Broadmoor.
Her lessons served me well over the years. While I have not seen her since then I know she has helped many others to enjoy the sport she so loved.
My condolences to her family.
Camie Woodard
September 21, 2021
Sincere Condolences to the family and friends of Iris. Met Iris through Ski Broadmoor and the wonderful learn to ski programs she created and oversaw both for me as an adult and my young daughter who enjoyed her hat club program! Many great memories were made skiing there through the years. Thank you Iris, may you Rest In Peace.
Marcus Perkins
September 19, 2021
Our deepest sympathies Kenny.
Bill Carle
September 19, 2021
I´m sure I´m not alone in thanking Iris for my "ski life".
Many of my best days were on the slopes and Iris and ski Broadmoor gave countless people their introduction to the slopes and ski industry.
Going way back in my memories, she would be known as the "cool mom" in today´s parlance. I mean really, who can forget her in her red dodge?
She was a true vanguard and pioneer of an industry that made Colorado world famous. And, promoted skiing year round with her work at the Ski Shop.
What an Ambassasor.
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Funeral services provided by:
Shrine of Remembrance1730 East Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910
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