Rudolph Greis
May 4, 1931 – April 1, 2012
On April 1, 2012 Rudy lost his 13 year battle with cancer. He fought valiantly and was the strongest, bravest man we’ll ever know and love.
Rudy was born in Syracuse, New York to Kaspar and Elizabeth Gruber Greis. He graduated from Cathedral Academy in Syracuse and then went on to Syracuse University. His time at Syracuse University was interrupted by the Korean War. Years later he got his B.A. from Southern Colorado State College, his M.A. from University of Northern Colorado and did his doctoral work at the University of Denver.
He loved his 23 year Air Force career and always said he had the best of both worlds in the military. He went in as an enlisted man and became a Master Sergeant. He was chosen to go to Officers Candidate School and retired with the rank of Major. He then went to work for Chapman University in Orange, California where he became a Dean for off campus programs. After retiring from Chapman and up until this past year he worked part-time in the Facilities Department at Colorado College with “the greatest bunch of people on earth.”
He was an incredible guy, our Rudy. He ran the Pikes Peak Marathon Ascent for his 50th birthday. He climbed Mount Rainer with Lou Whitaker, the CEO of REI, and spent a week in snow caves. He helped build the Colorado Trail as a member of the Colorado Mountain Club and for many years maintained “his section” near the Collegiate Peaks. In his late sixties he went to “Ice School” and learned to drive a Zamboni for the CC Tigers at their home rink. He loved life to the fullest and never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Alicia; three sons: Erick, Hans and Karl (Shelly) Greis; four daughters: Anneke Brainard, Karen Short (Chuck), Stephanie Brock (Jim) and Juliana Greis; two brothers: John and Erick Greis, and a sister, Elsie Krichbaum, all of Syracuse, New York; and nine much loved grandchildren. He will be missed as he was loved greatly and by many.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 927 North Logan Avenue. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery.
Donations in Rudy’s name may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice or the WoundedWarriorProject.org.