Malesich and Shirey Funeral Home & Colorado Crematory

06/07/2026

Pets will love you unconditionally.

06/06/2026

We are always here for you when you need us. We will be there every step of the way to guide you through the process. Answers to all of your questions are just a phone call away. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have: That's why we're here.

06/05/2026

Some stories deserve to be shared for generations.



We’re honored to now offer personalized memorial QR codes that can be placed on headstones and memorials, allowing families to share photos, videos, life stories, and cherished memories with a simple scan.



Because every life is more than a name and dates. It’s a story worth remembering.



Learn how you can create a lasting tribute today.

06/04/2026

Have questions about cremation or funeral preplanning? You’re not alone. Our upcoming lunch & learn is designed to help families better understand their options in a comfortable, no-pressure environment.



Enjoy a complimentary meal while learning how preplanning can make a meaningful difference for those you love most.



📅 Tuesday, June 16th

📍 Mission BBQ in Arvada

📞 RSVP by June 13th at 720-242-6784

Family-owned and operated, we have been serving people of all faiths and beliefs throughout our community since 2009. We are available every hour of every day to help you and your family.

06/04/2026

Recall your favorite summer pastimes from childhood and drop them in the comments! Let's relive those joyful moments together.

06/03/2026

Allow your loved ones the grieving time they need without the pressure of arrangements.

06/03/2026

John Michael Townsdin

Mike Townsdin lived fully and passionately, with a mischievous grin. Born and raised in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Mike made Leadville his home for 52 years, a mountain town that suited him perfectly. At 78 years old, he passed peacefully on May 31, 2026, at 6:29 a.m., just as the sun rose over his beloved peaks.

Mike was a Marine veteran, a lineman, a rancher, and a hunter, but above all, he was a force of nature. He never met a stranger; to Mike, everyone was just a friend he hadn’t met yet. Famous for his perfectly timed (and occasionally ill-timed) pranks, he had a rare gift for making people feel alive in his company. Beneath the humor was a man of deep integrity, whose handshake was a promise and whose code was as solid as the Rockies.

His faith was the bedrock of his life. A devoted Christian, Mike’s belief was woven into everything he did. He truly belonged to the land, whether working a ranch, tracking game in the high country, or simply standing beneath the Colorado sky. He possessed the strength of a man who built with his hands and the quiet wisdom of one who understood what truly mattered.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Townsdin; his daughters, Shannon Kinney, Shannon Mariani, and Renee Baines; his sons-in-law, Adam, Bubba, Mark, and Brandon; and nine grandchildren who knew the joy of his immense love. He also leaves behind his brother Kenny, sister-in-law Pam, sister Patty, brother-in-law Dave, sister Christine, sister-in-law Karen, brother-in-law Michael (his wife Pam), and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Dad (J Roy), Mom (Mary Jane), and daughter (Tara Konruff), who undoubtedly all heard him coming.

Mike leaves behind a rich trail of lives shaped, stories that will be told for decades, and a simple philosophy that defined him:

"Life is good." And for Mike Townsdin and those he loved, it truly was. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date and will be announced.

View John Michael Townsdin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/02/2026

"When it's obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals; adjust the action steps." - Confucious

06/01/2026

Jerry Lee Helmke

Jerry Lee Helmke of Wheatridge, Colorado, passed away on May 23rd, 2026 at the Intermountain Hospice at Collier at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife Lillian V. Stone, children, Kim (Tom) Russey, Jeff Helmke, Wendy Helmke, Art (Bunny) Schaupeter, Amy Schaupeter , Eric Schaupeter, and Karyn Hattenburg. Grandchildren include, Melissa (Zach) Ruder, Jennifer (Ryan) Sheets, Samantha Russey, Jay (Mariah) Helmke, Allison (Damien) LaFortune, Brooke ( Corbin) Hansen and Carsen Helmke , as well as four great grandchildren.

Jerry’s long career in banking started at the age of 19 as a bank teller for Michigan National Bank in Detroit. In 1978 he moved his family to Denver and continued his career in Commercial Lending with Central Bank. Once retired from banking, he founded his contract company, Your Painter, which specialized in residential homes and small businesses. Throughout these years he was always passionate about the outdoors, in particular , the mountains. He hiked and summitted 15 of our magnificent 14ers, During that time, he noticed the significant need for trail restoration which prompted him to join the Colorado Mountain Club in 1986. He served with the CMC performing maintenance work on the trails , later becoming a crew leader and instructor. In 1995 Jerry organized the first trail crew projects and served as co chair of the trails committee. He was instrumental in developing and helping to build the famous Colorado Trail which stretches 567 miles from Denver to Durango. In 2015 he won a volunteer of the year award and just recently he received an award for 40 years of outstanding service with the CMC.

Having a huge heart for helping others, Jerry was always quick to lend a hand to neighbors, friends and family. He served many years with the Action Center, volunteered at the Rocky Mountain Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and distributed books to the Veterans hospital.

In addition, he loved sports and games and was an avid golfer, and tennis player. At age 50 he won the mens singles championship in tennis for his age bracket at the Denver City Open. He loved downhill skiing which he was able to enjoy well into his 70’s. Recently he had become a pickleball enthusiast and never lost the will to win. He passed this spirit and love of sports onto his children and grandchildren. Not to be forgotten was his strategical mind for a good game of bridge or backgammon. Another thing he enjoyed was long distance running. He was able to complete two Denver marathons as well as participate in a number of the Bolder Boulder runs with friends and family. He exercised regularly at the Active Adult Center, where he routinely brought in a supply of doughnuts for all to enjoy.

Jerry will be remembered for his sense of humor, his caring nature, his genuine smile and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. It could be said that he never met a stranger. His love of poetry led him to write countless poems over the years that he shared on many occasions.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 20th at 11:30 at the Active Adult Center : 6363 W. 35th st, Wheatridge with light refreshments and visitation immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor may be made to the following:

Active Adult Center : 6363 W 35th Ave Wheatridge CO 80033

Colorado Mountain Club: 15605 W 32nd ave Golden, CO 80401

The Action Center: 8755 W 14th Ave Lakewood, CO 80215

View Jerry Lee Helmke's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/01/2026

Joyce Elaine Chavez

Joyce Elaine Chavez born August 17, 1936 passed away peacefully on April 29th, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was the pillar of the household, known for her wit, humor, and loving spirit. She is survived by daughter Crystal, step-daughter Eve, and grandchildren Jenn, Travis, Michael and Jesse. Her extended family includes Scott, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Joyce is now reunited with Gene, her husband together once again after a lifetime of love and memories shared and her daughter Kelly. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and influence will remain with her family always. Her life was a blessing, and her memory will be treasured forever.

View Joyce Elaine Chavez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.