John Peter Wierenga

John “Dutch” P. Wierenga, 84, passed away on December 5, 2025. He was born on April 2, 1941, in Muskegon, Michigan, and spent his early school years in Denver, Colorado, where he developed the grit and work ethic that would shape the rest of his life.Dutch proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 as a Combat Engineer specializing in mine warfare while stationed in Germany and retired as a SP5. A no-nonsense man through and through, he carried that same straightforward toughness into his career with the White River National Forest. For more than 31 years, based in Glenwood Springs, he worked as a blaster and was responsible for back-country operations, road maintenance, blasting safety training, and installing and maintaining facilities throughout the White River area. He was known for doing things the right way the first time, with a cowboy’s grit and an engineer’s precision.In 1966, he married the love of his life, Margaret, and together they built their home and family in Glenwood Springs. After retiring from the Forest Service, Dutch and Margaret moved to Parachute, Colorado, in 1997, where he enjoyed a quieter pace of life—though he never fully let go of his cowboy spirit.Dutch is survived by his wife, Margaret; his daughter Deborah (Joe Sternberger); daughter Shannon Darlene Muse (Dan); son Russell Brown (Sandi); and four grandchildren: Jesse Gilmer, Hailey Brown, Hunter Brown, and Christopher Wierenga. He is also survived by his sister Peggy Farewell (Rich) of Arvada, Colorado, and his brother Mike Wierenga (Kathy) of Palisade, Colorado.Dutch’s final wish was to be set free on Windy Point, a place he loved deeply. His family will honor that wish this coming spring.Dutch lived his life simply, honestly, and exactly the way he wanted. He will be missed by all who knew him.