Gerald E. Nau

Gerald "Gerry" Nau, 88, of Littleton CO passed away February 24, 2017.

Gerry was born to Alfred and Estel Nau on August 16, 1928 in Omaha NE. He was the youngest of 3 sons. He attended Holy Name School, graduated from Creighton Prep High School, and for a period of time was enrolled at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.

He married Elnore Even on September 4, 1950 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, spending their honeymoon in Colorado Springs. They envisioned returning to Colorado one day to raise a family. Gerry and Elnore were married 60 years and had 8 children.

Gerry served our country as a Sergeant in the US Army, Korean War, between December 1950 and July 1952. He received three military medals, including the Bronze Star. His first child, James, was born while Gerry was overseas. James was 1 year old when they met each other for the first time.

In 1964, Gerry relocated his family, 7 children by this time, to Littleton, CO. It was here he discovered his love of the great outdoors. He bought a camper and later a jeep. He taught his family how to camp, jeep, and hike the great trails of Colorado. Sunday afternoons (but not during Bronco games) he would enjoy a quick drive to the mountains with his family. He was always looking for new roads and new adventures which somehow always led to an ice cream shop.

Gerry and 3 of his oldest sons joined the Boy Scouts of America, Troop #263. Gerry volunteered to be the Scoutmaster. He was actively involved with his children's football, baseball, and gymnastics programs; especially hockey and the Littleton Hockey Association. He was an Avalanche fan and an avid Bronco fan.
Gerry retired from Western Electric with 45 years' service in 1993. He subsequently worked for AT&T, and then Lucent Technologies. Finally hanging up his work boots in 1998. Frequent trips to the mountains, particularly Glenwood Springs relaxing in the hot pools with Elnore, were delights.

He developed close friendships within his faith community at St Mary Catholic Parish in Littleton. He regularly visited the Cabrini Shrine. He helped open the church prior to mass each morning, attended daily mass, assisted as usher on Sundays, and helped tally the weekly donations. Most importantly, his sincere faith in the Lord, eventually led him to be a Eucharist Minister.

Gerry is survived by 5 children: Eugene Nau, Theresa Nau, Jeffrey Nau, Charles Nau, and Deborah Nau Redmond all in the Denver metro area. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; his loving wife, Elnore; and 3 sons; James, Richard, and Bruce.

A viewing will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home in Lakewood, CO on Friday, March 10th from 5:00-8:00pm. A rosary will be said at St Mary Catholic Parish on Monday, March 13th at 7:00 pm. Mass will be Tuesday morning, March 14th, at 10:00 am, St Mary's, followed by a reception. Burial will be at Ft Logan National Cemetery at 2:30 pm.