Dennis Dean Loose

On March 13, 1944, Carl and Leah Loose were blessed with a baby boy, Dennis, born in Brush, Colorado. Raised in the close-knit Brush community, Dennis attended Brush schools from elementary through high school alongside many of the same classmates who remained lifelong friends.

Dennis was involved in just about every sport the school offered, but basketball held a special place in his heart. He was especially proud to serve as guard on Brush High School’s multi-year state championship basketball teams. His team established one of the most impressive winning records in Colorado high school basketball history — a record that still stands today. In 1992, the team was once again recognized during the State Championship Tournament in Denver for their remarkable accomplishment. Those teams remained a tremendous source of hometown pride for many years and were honored time and again. If you knew Dennis, chances are you heard at least one story from those glory days, usually told with a grin.

In 1964, Dennis attended the University of Northern Colorado, where he played baseball for a year before deciding to head in a different direction. He began working for the Colorado Department of Highways in Brush, starting what would become a long and accomplished career in engineering and road construction. Over the years, Dennis received numerous awards and recognition for his dedication and outstanding work.

In 1965, Dennis married the love of his life, Sharlene Churchill, at Rankin Presbyterian Church. The two honeymooned in Estes Park and began building a life grounded in hard work, family, and devotion to each other. Dennis fulfilled his military obligation with the National Guard, completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and continuing his service with annual summer training exercises, while Sharlene remained in Brush caring for the family and managing things at home.

After returning home, Dennis resumed his work with CDOT and continued building both his career and his family. Dennis and Sharlene welcomed their son Todd in 1966, followed by their daughter Amanda in 1971.

When CDOT closed the engineering office in Brush, Dennis worked alongside his father-in-law, Melvin Churchill, on the family farm. While he appreciated farm life, engineering eventually called him back, and he rejoined CDOT in the Greeley office. The family settled in Kersey, where Dennis enjoyed the sense of community and connection that came with small-town life.

Dennis retired from CDOT in 2005 after 30 years of service, but retirement did not last long. He soon began consulting work assisting CDOT and later joined RockSol Consulting Group, returning to the Greeley office and reconnecting with many longtime coworkers and friends. Dennis took tremendous pride in his work and continued doing what he loved even as his health declined.

Following retirement, Dennis and Sharlene celebrated their German heritage with a memorable two-week trip through Germany and Austria. It was an experience they treasured deeply and one that gave Dennis a meaningful connection to his family roots.

Outside of work, Dennis loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren, Lindsay, Derek, Brogan, and Eli. He and Sharlene shared many happy trips to Black Hawk and countless weekend getaways together. Their beautiful garden became well known throughout the neighborhood — admired by everyone, even if it occasionally felt like a full-time job for the two of them. It was not unusual for them to step outside in the morning and discover a neighbor “shopping” the garden for a fresh tomato or handful of beans, something Dennis always found more amusing than upsetting.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Leah Loose, and his brothers Ron, Ed, and Steve. Growing up as the four “Loose brothers” led to plenty of mischievous adventures and hilarious stories that would later become favorite memories shared with children and grandchildren for years to come.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharlene; son Todd (Brenda) and twin grandsons Eli and Brogan; daughter Amanda Miller (Scott); granddaughter Lindsay Allmer (Tucker); grandson Derek Miller (Jordan); and many cherished extended family members and dear friends.

Dennis lived a life rooted in family, friendship, hard work, and quiet dedication. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and lovingly carried in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, June 11th, 2026, at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado, 80634.