Maria Erika Thrun

Maria Erika Thrun

February 6, 1942-December 4, 2024

Please join us in celebrating the life of Maria Erika Thrun. Maria passed peacefully, on December 4, 2024, at the age of 82. 

Maria was born in what was then Yugoslavia, on February 6, 1942. Her family emigrated to Germany when she was a child and lived there until 1956, when the family came to the United States, settling in Chicago, Illinois. In 1972, as an adult, Maria and her family of 5 moved to Littleton, CO. She cherished the ability to be close to the Rocky Mountains, especially Vail, because it reminded her of the Black Forest in Germany. In fact, after retiring from a career as an Operations Manager for Arrow Electronics-a career in which she made life-long friendships, she and her husband Tim made the Rocky mountains their home when they moved to a log cabin in Rosita, CO. They entrenched themselves in small-town culture. Maria helped organize the town of Westcliffe's semi-annual Pancake Breakfast fundraisers and joined the local garden club. She even spent some time working for the Census Bureau, meeting new neighbors along the way.

Maria was a passionate gardener, and her beautiful floral displays were a part of every yard of every home she lived in. 

She also loved dancing, and while living in Chicago with her first husband, Gottfried, Saturday nights were reserved for just that. When her sister Kathy and family moved to Albuquerque, trips to Oktoberfest (more dancing!) were something she always looked forward to. In addition, she also joined a country line-dancing group while living in Rosita. 

Maria and her husband Tim loved to travel. They enjoyed trips to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the Midwest, the Southwest, Florida, California, New York, and anywhere the road would take them, including camping in those beloved mountains. She also took several trips with her sister Kathy to Germany, to see family, including her older siblings and their adult children.

One thing that was guaranteed to light up Maria's face was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The candy dish was always full, waiting for a "little one" to come for a visit. She will be missed by many.

Maria is survived by her three children: Kathy Knudsen, Erika Schmidt, and Michael Schmidt; step-daughter Tami. Kegerreis. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren: Ashleigh, Christopher, Melissa, Michael, and Christen; step-grandchildren Lorens and Alana; 13 great-grandchildren. Her loving family also includes her sister Kathy; brother Frank; sister-in-law Elizabeth; nieces and nephews: Susanne, Roland, Lisa, Jesse and Paul; seven great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition, her in-laws include Ted, Jane, Joy, Anne and Teri, and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Tim; siblings Julie, Wendell and Joseph; parents Maria and George.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, 2:00 PM, Horan & McConaty, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, CO 80227, (303) 986-9615. 

In lieu of flowers, if so inclined-please consider a donation to the Horticultural Art Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to "connect, enrich and inspire our community through education and cultivation of the HAS public gardens in Monument Valley Park, Colorado Springs". When you donate, in the Notes section you can designate specific uses such as trees, shrubs, bench or art work, or as general support for the HAS gardens. Also feel free to mention that your donation is in honor of our beloved Maria Thrun.

Click on the link to donate: Horticultural Art Society, https://hasgardens.org/donate/