William D. "Jake" Schild

William D. “Jake” Schild passed away at home in Jefferson County July 31, 2024, with his family by his side. 

One of three siblings, Jake was born in Fort Collins, Colo, on March 12, 1944, and grew up on a farm north of town. In 1962, he graduated from Fort Collins High School, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Technology from Colorado State University in 1967. As an Air Force ROTC Cadet, he left for officer’s training immediately after his CSU graduation, commissioning and his wedding to Katharine Schild.

While serving in the Air Force, Jake was stationed in Germany at Ramstein and Wiesbaden, and at Hancock Field in Syracuse, N.Y. Upon leaving the USAF as a Captain in 1972, he returned to Colorado where he spent the rest of his life. After the Air Force, Jake entered the civil service, where he completed numerous telecommunications projects for the General Service Administration and National Park Service. After a 29-year career, he retired in July 2004.

Jake served on the Lakehurst Water and Sanitation Board of Directors for 24 years. He volunteered at Hudson Gardens, served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and was a starter for his sons’ swim teams. He enjoyed family, friends, gardening and sports.

Jake is survived by his wife of 57 years, Katharine Becher Schild of Cortez; Colo., two sons, Matthew William and wife Sofia Ashford of Fort Collins, Mark Richard and wife Bridget Manley Schild; and two granddaughters, Jordyn and Kayleigh Schild of Littleton. Also surviving are his brother Larry Schild and wife Joan of Fort Collins, many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Schwartz Schild, sister Florence Schild Greenwalt.

Jake’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., August 19 at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood. Colo. The celebration will be followed by a reception and final interment with military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery. 

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in Jake’s name to the Colorado State University Foundation, the World Food Kitchen, or the American Cancer Society.

Please share memories and condolences with Jake's family by signing the guestbook.