Lifelong Colorado resident, Brian Allen Kocerha passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Parker Adventist Hospital at the age of 64. Brian was born on January 28, 1957 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Clarence Kocerha and Frances Vernon. He lived in Calhan for 3 years after he was born and was a resident of Elbert for 51 years before settling in Kiowa for the last 10 years. He attended Northeastern Junior College after high school obtaining his degree in Agriculture. Brian had a love for polka & country music, loved to dance, and met his wife Nancy of 35 years, dancing at Cowboys. They married on May 6, 1988 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He was a lifelong farmer and rancher; never quite able to give it up, even while working full-time for HEI Civil the last 17 years. Brian was active in his community throughout his life, having served as a volunteer firefighter in Elbert, President of the Elbert Fire Board, President of the Pikes Peak Co-op, and President of the Elbert Alumni Association. He coached peewee basketball at Elbert and was active in 4-H. “Papa” loved family and absolutely adored his grandchildren; they were his pride and joy. He could never get enough visiting time in, it didn’t matter who you were, he always had a story to share, a joke to tell, words of wisdom, and a listening ear.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife Nancy of Kiowa, Colorado, his children; Keith Anderson of Burlington, Wisconsin, Kendra Anderson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Veronica Anderson of Elbert, Colorado, Kelli (Kocerha) Myers of Clarksville, Tennessee, Michael (Audrey) Kocerha of Lochbuie, Colorado. His grandchildren: Ricky Reynolds, Lucia and Tralina Rocha, Roy and Cami Jo Anderson, Penelope “PJ” Anderson, and Eric Kocerha. His siblings: Glenna (Kenneth) Eldringhoff of Elbert, Colorado, Richard (Judy) Kocerha of Calhan, Colorado, Mary (Charlie) Taylor of Poynette, Wisconsin, Janet (Ted) Ellis of Crown Point, Indiana, and Terry Kocerha of Castle Rock, Colorado. Also surviving him are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Clarence and Frances Kocerha, and his grandparents; John and Mary Kocerha.