Robert Kula Obituary

Robert H. Kula, Ed. S. was born in Jackson, Minnesota on March 6, 1923. He attended the University of Minnesota in 1941-42 on a football scholarship and was nominated All-American and invited to play in the 1943 All-Star game in Chicago. His enlistment in the Army, where he served 3 years as a Medical Technician precluded his football career but not his love of the game. Following WWII, “Bob� spent 36 years in education, as a classroom teacher, coach, administrator, and facility planner in Missouri and Colorado. He received his Bachelors Degree in Education from Southwest Missouri State University, his Masters degree in Administration and Education Specialist degree in Facility Planning and Curriculum from the University of Northern Colorado. Bob was an Educational Consultant for an International Architectural Firm and later partner in the Colorado Springs firm of Kula/Holding Architects and Planners. Bob was the Principal at West High School in Greeley, Colorado and formulated many innovative educational programs including team teaching, individualized instruction, using Teen Tutors, and offering college classes to advanced students. He became the Director of Planning for the Community College of Denver where he was instrumental in developing facilities and curriculum. In 1977, under his supervision, the North Campus of what is now North Front Range Community College was the largest solar energized building in the US; 32,000 square feet of collectors. Appointed Director of Planning for the Colorado Department of Corrections, he was instrumental in developing the maximum facility. Upon retirement Bob became a master gem-cutter and enjoyed lapidary, creating many wire craft rings and pendants. Among his many accomplishments, he wrote and published a book entitled “An Educational Primer�. He was actively involved in many associations including Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Sertoma Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Society of College and University Planners, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Delta Theta, Open Heart Club, Century Lodge #90 Greeley, CO, Manitou Lodge #68, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and Al Kaly Shriner where he served as Hospital Representative Emeritus and was joyful to sponsor over 125 children who benefited from the Children's Hospital Program. While stationed in the Army, Bob met and married the treasure of his life, Hazel A. Steward of Richland, Missouri who became his life long partner of 65 years. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Anderson Kula, his father James Kula and his sister Helen Creel. Survivors include his wife, Hazel Kula, his daughter Susan Unser, his son Murray Kula; grandchildren Darin Pine, Brian Kula, Lindsey Ervin, Brigg Kula; and 6 great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Children's Transportation Fund, Al Kaly Shrine. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, August 12th at 10:00AM at the Masonic Center, 1150 Panorama Drive, Colorado Springs, CO. For more information please visit www.memorialgardensfuneralhome.com.