MONTE VISTA —Earl C. Van Treese, 91, passed away July 30, 2019.  He was born Sept. 21, 1927 in Monte Vista, to Jesse and Rosa Bloxsom Van Treese.  Earl honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  Ten days after his return from active duty, he married Marilyn June Pickett at the Bowen Church near Monte Vista on Feb. 8, 1953. 

Earl was a longtime farmer in the San Luis Valley and he truly enjoyed farming.  He was the past president of the Alamosa County Farm Bureau and Cement Lateral of the Prairie Ditch and served on the board of directors for the Monte Vista Coop and the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Coop, Colorado UTE Board and Alamosa County Fire Board. Earl was active in the Civil Air Patrol, San Luis Valley Pilot Association and the Antique Tractor Club.  Earl’s greatest passion was flying.  Every year he would buy a different airplane in the fall and sell that plane in the spring so he could continue to farm.  Earl got his helicopter pilot license at the age of 65.  He also loved traveling the country with his wife and they had visited all 50 states.

Earl is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn “June” Van Treese, his children, Linda (John) McCormick, Steven (Karla) Van Treese, Gloria (Lonell) Crowther, his grandchildren, Trampas McCormick, Kris Asbell, Amy Payne, Kaylie Phillips, Codie Van Treese, Kole Van Treese, Kelci Martinez, Shonell Crowther and Ryan Crowther, his former daughter-in-law Debbie (Neal) Selin as well as his numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Charlie Van Treese and his brothers, Loyd Van Treese and Purl Van Treese.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4 at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista.  Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, at the Sargent Community Church.  Burial will follow the services in The San Luis Valley Cemetery following the services on Monday.  Contributions are suggested to the Beaver Creek Youth Camp or a charity of your choice and may be made in care of the funeral home office.  To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.

Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements.