Wallace Karl Currier
Marriages
Monna Margarette "Peggy" Collier - December 29, 1948
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5B - January 21, 2011
Wallace Karl Currier September 12, 1923 – January 19, 2011 Wallace Karl Currier, a lifetime resident of Molina, died at his home after a long battle with COPD on January 19, 2011 at the age of 87. Wallace was born September 12, 1923 in Grand Junction, CO to George Bruce and Lydia Christensen Currier. He was the fourth generation of his family to live in Mesa County. Wallace grew up on his family's ranch, south of Molina. He attended the one room Georgia Mesa School for eight years and graduated from Collbran Union High School. He attended Colorado A&M (CSU) for a year and a half before accepting an agricultural deferment from the draft and returning home to help his parents on the ranch, where he would remain the rest of his life. In June of 1948 Wallace drove a car full of west slope young people to the Baptist youth conference in Green Lake, WI. While there, he was introduced to Monna Margarette "Peggy" Collier. They were married six months later, December 29, 1948, in Campo, CO, and have enjoyed more than 62 years together. Wallace ranched with his parents until buying their interest in 1961. He was able to gradually expand the operation into one of the largest in the area. He retired from active management of the ranch in 1991, but continued to work as long as his health allowed, and offered wise advice and support until the time of his death. He was very proud when part of the ranch was officially designated a Colorado Centennial Farm, being owned and operated by the Currier family for more than a century. In their retirement years, Wallace and Peggy were able to travel extensively. They logged many miles with their pickup and fifth-wheel trailer, including several trips to Alaska. They visited many of the countries in Europe and the Middle East. His favorite place he visited was the Sea of Galilee in Israel. Wallace was always very willing to volunteer in serving his community and industry. He served on the Plateau Valley School Board, the Collbran Hospital Board, and Mesa County Republicans. He was also a board member of the Rifle PCA Bank, the Mesa County ASCS, Mesa County Farm Bureau, and Plateau Valley Stockgrowers. He was very involved in water issues and served many years as President of the Cottonwood Lakes Reservoir Company, Bullcreek Reservoir Company, and the Collbran Water Conservancy District. Most important to Wallace was his service to his Lord and Savior. A member of Molina Baptist Church for nearly 80 years, he served many roles in the church including Deacon, Moderator, Worship Leader, Choir member, and Sunday School Teacher. He was also very involved in church camping, serving many years on the Board and as business Manager of the Grand Mesa Christian Association and Grand Mesa Baptist Camp. He filled several officer and board positions at the state and regional level for his church's denomination, and was a long time Gideon. Wallace was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Louise Signs; a brother, Rev. G. Bruce Jr., and a step-granddaughter, Dawn Shoemaker. Survivors in addition to Peggy include three brothers, Robert (Ruth) and David (Cathy) of Molina, and Rev. Bryant of Wellsville, KS; three daughters, Linda (Earl) Hittle and Janice of Molina, and Lavonne (Dave) Croze of Nikiski, AK; two sons, Carlyle (Dawn) and Mark (Roberta) both of Molina; a foster son, Phong Ba Pham (Hang) of Aurora; six grandchildren; two step grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and two step great grandchildren. Memorial donation may be made to the Grand Mesa Baptist Camp Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 40, Molina, CO 81646, or to Alpine Hospice, 2764 Compass Dr., Suite 110, Grand Junction, CO 81506. There will be a Service of Remembrance held at the Molina Baptist Church, 53039 KE Rd., Molina, CO 81646 on Saturday, January 22, 2010, at 2:00 pm. Arrangements are being made through Martin Mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.MartinMortuary.com.
