Aelard Merl Unruh

Aelard Merl Unruh was born February 27, 1937 to Brinton and Amanda (Koehn) Unruh in McPherson, Kansas. He peacefully passed away at his home on June 29, 2015 in rural Brighton, Colorado, reaching the age of 78.

In 2002 Aelard was diagnosed with cancer. He fought a good fight defying all odds including the doctors predictions. Later being diagnosed with bone cancer, Aelard went on with life until the last month he realized the end was near. For the past month Aelard really searched his life and made preparation to meet his maker even to the point of asking help with nothing guarded, humbly trying to make sure of Heaven.

Aelard lived his first seven years at Galva, Kansas. His parents moved to Scott County, Kansas in 1944 where Aelard enjoyed life on the farm.

On May 23, 1950 he was baptized becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite by Frank Wenger.

Aelard was in alternative IW Service, Denver, Colorado in 1958 and 1959, moving back to Scott County in 1961. Being back on the farm he enjoyed growing corn. On April 5, 1964, Aelard and Carol Ann Ratzlaff were united in marriage, celebrating 51 years of wedded life.

In 1969 Aelard and Carol moved to Colorado and in time settled on a farm east of Brighton. There they raised their two sons, Brad and Todd. Aelard enjoyed his farm especially raising beef for neighbors and friends and also farmed wheat and alfalfa.

Through the years, Aelard earned the respect of his neighbors. He gave himself unselfishly to those in need. He loved his sons, their wives and his grandchildren. They enjoyed his quiet and unassuming personality. Everyone enjoyed his sense of humor.

Those left to cherish pleasant memories are his wife, Carol; his sons, Brad (Maggie) and their children, Scott, Ian and Michael, all of Brighton and Todd (Erica) and their children, Brooklyn, Madison and Ashton all of Fort Worth, TX; one brother, Lynn (Jan) of Brighton; two brothers-in-law, Jerry (Janice) Ratzlaff and John Ratzlaff; two sisters-in-law, Virginia (Galen) Decker and Nora Frederick.

Preceding him in death are his parents, four brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law.

The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 10:30am at the Scott Mennonite Church in Pence, Kansas. There will be no calling times. Interment will take place at Scott Mennonite Cemetery in Pence, KS.