Eugene Dover Obituary

Eugene Ka Van Dover, 88 of Cortez, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at the Vista Grande care facility.

Born and raised in Westport, S.D., Ka was a longtime businessman in Cortez. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen Van Dover of Cortez; and daughters, Patricia Spelts and husband, Bob of Castlerock, Colo., Susan Schweitzer and husband, Dino of Florissant, Colo., Rhonda Van Dover of Mesa, Ariz., and Shelley Arrasmith and husband, Scott of Colorado Springs, Colo. Their extended families include nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Ka is also survived by a brother, Lyle Van Dover of Grand Junction.

After serving his country in the army in World War II, Ka studied business at Northern State College in Aberdeen, S.D., where he met and married his wife, Helen. After completing his bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska, Ka went to work for Gambles – Skogmo. He managed several corporate stores and became a district manager for the company. In 1970, Ka opened his own Gambles Store in Cortez and he developed one of the most successful Gambles franchises in the country. He participated on the Cortez Development Council, Cortez Business Bureau, the Montezuma Cortez Hospital Board, and the Rotary Club. In addition, he was active in his church. In 1988, Ka retired from professional life to enjoy golf, travel and his family.

A memorial service to celebrate Ka's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Cortez First Baptist Church. Mr. Ron Horne of Canon City, Colo., will officiate. Ka will be laid to rest at the Cortez Cemetery.

Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, at Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740, Cortez, Colo., 81321 or to the charity of one's choice.

Services are directed by Ertel Funeral Home. To send condolences, click on the obituary section at ertelfuneralhome.com.