Kris Gravenstein, 63, of Greeley passed away March 28, 2014 at McKee Hospice Care from complications of dementia.  He was born to Donald and Rosemary (Darst) Gravenstein in Waverly, Iowa on May 3, 1950. 

Kris graduated from Northglenn High School in 1968.  At 6’10”, Kris was an incredible athlete, excelling in basketball and receiving numerous honors  including:  three times Denver Prep Player of the Week, All Conference, and held the Skyline League rebounding record for 13 years.  Immediately after graduation he proudly enlisted in the Army stationed in Germany and volunteering for service in Vietnam, based at Phu Loi with the 520th Transportation Battalion.  Following his military service, Kris attended Northeastern Jr. College in Sterling, Colorado where he played basketball receiving the Junior College All American Honorable Mention award plus many offers from numerous colleges and professional teams.  He shared many victories and happy times with teammates and his brother, Art; those stories could fill a book!   He then attended the University of Wyoming.  Kris retired from Qwest after 30 years of service in 1996 and made many lifetime friends during those years. The loyalty of his friends sustained him during his life and he often said how blessed he was to have so many great memories and friendships.  His greatest passion was hunting.  He was an avid traditional archer and spent many memorable days in the mountains of Colorado and the plains of Kansas hunting and enjoying company of loved ones.  His quiet and gentle spirit combined with kindness is what everyone will remember when they think of Kris.  He lived the life of a warrior having survived cancer then walking through the journey of dementia – his shield was made of bravery, strength, and faith.  Kris and Debbie were married in 2000 and shared a world full of adventures and love during their life together, including their affection for the pets that kept them entertained and comforted over the years. Kris took his responsibilities as a father very seriously and spent many hours with his son Ryan hiking, going to Jamboree events every summer, and included him in hunting trips when possible; those father-son activities became a strong bond for them.  He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Bain) Gravenstein of Greeley; his son Ryan Gravenstein of Fort Collins; one brother, Art Gravenstein of Virginia City, Nevada; one sister, Katrisha Randolph of Thornton, Colorado – their spouses and families; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by this mother and father.

A memorial service will be held at the Greeley Wesleyan Church, 3600 W. 22nd Street, on Friday, April 4th at 10:00 a.m., with a reception following at the church. Private burial at Olinger Highland Cemetery in Thornton. A Celebration of Life on September 15th, the first day of archery season, in Ness City, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Fort Collins Archery Association,  P.O. Box 270493, Fort Collins, CO 80527-0493 or Northern Colorado Alzheimer’s Association, 415 Peterson Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524.