MENGEL, Joan Wilson Loveland

Joan Wilson Loveland, b. 29 April 1919, grew up with her sister Nancy on the family apple orchard Kia Ora in New City, Rockland County, NY. Although born and raised in NY, Joan was the great grand-daughter of William Austin Hamilton (W.A.H.) Loveland, Colo. pioneer, an original settler of Golden, founder of the Colorado Central Railroad, and one-time owner of the Rocky Mountain News. A woman of letters throughout her life, Joan was an English major at Albany State Teachers College. While a student she met her future husband of 63 years John (Jack) Thomas Mengel on a blind double date, arranged by Joan's best friend because Jack had a car. Jack was one of the original physicists at NASA, eventually rising to Director of Tracking and Data Systems at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The Mengels lived in Maryland for 33 years before moving to the state Joan's great-grandfather helped establish as a leader in the territorial legislature. In Colorado the Mengels lived first in Bailey, then Fort Collins. In 2001 they moved to Davis, Calif. Remarkably well-read, and an avid seamstress, Joan's passions were books, bridge, history, and genealogy. Joan died of heart failure on Sept. 14, 2006 after returning to her adopted home state of Colorado. Joan is survived by her sisters Nancy Bohlen of Ames, IA, and Rosanna (Howard) Preston of Laguna Beach, Calif., children Nancy Rosensweig and Tom (Alida) Mengel of Denver, Colo., and grandsons Phil and Robert Vulliet and Gregory and JT Mengel. Predeceased by her cherished husband Jack in 2003 and daughter Judith (Rick) Vulliet in 2004. A memorial service will be held Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church (9905 Foothills Canyon Blvd; Highlands Ranch, Colo 80129) with a private graveside service at Calvary Episcopal Church in Burnt Hills, NY. Memorial donations may be made to: •The Denver Public Library Western History/Genealogy Department (or your favorite library), 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204, 720-865-1821. •The Golden Pioneer Museum to which Joan has donated Loveland family articles, 923 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401, 303-278-7151. •The Porter Hospice/Hospice of Peace Foundations, 7995 E. Prentice Ave., Suite 204, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, 303-715-7600. The Flume
Posted by Volunteer on October 20, 2006

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