Olinda Louise Patzer (Deines)

Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Olinda Louise Patzer (Deines), passed away peacefully at home in Cedaredge, Colorado on October 24, 2025. She was 89 years old.

Olinda was the heart of our home and family. She was married for 57 years to her soulmate, Erich Patzer. They together raised two children, Stacey (55), and Lisa Marie (52), and were instrumental in the upbringing of three grandchildren, Maggie (27), Erich (22), and Dusk (21).

Olinda will be dearly missed. She was known for her generous spirit, her creativity, and her passion for education. She was a trailblazer for her time, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and education, travelling internationally, and having a full career in public education and as a musician at her church. Olinda provided a breath of vitality to every human connection. At Olinda’s request there will be no services, but before she passed, she made it known she wanted us all to share a laugh and raise a glass in celebration of her journey home.

Olinda was born on July 12, 1936, in Fort Collins, Colorado to Henry and Lydia Deines. She was the fifth of six offspring. She lived in Fort Collins until she went to Wartburg College in Iowa and finished her master's at Colorado University, Boulder. She taught elementary school in Fridley, Minnesota before moving back to Colorado to teach elementary school in Fort Collins. In 1968, Olinda was married to Erich Patzer in Loveland, Colorado. They relocated to Golden, Colorado in June of 1968. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran church, serving as organist and choir director. She and Erich relocated to Cedaredge, Colorado in fall of 2007.

At this time there are no funeral plans. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Life Community Church, 20101 Deer Creek Road Austin, Colorado, 81410, (970) 835-3667.