Adam John Bellendir, 73, of Sterling passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2006, in Sterling. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 6 at Tennant Funeral Home. Vigil and Rosary service will follow at 7 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 7 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with Father Jim Baird officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Adam was born Aug. 2, 1932, in Iliff, the 11th child of Alex and Susan Bellendir.

He attended school in Iliff and helped on the family farm. He served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954.

He married the love of his life Georgena "Jane" Quirey on Sept. 17, 1955. They were married for 48 years before Jane passed away in July 2004.

To this union seven children were born. The couple made their first home in Sterling where Adam worked for Borden's Dairy, later transferring to Julesburg. In 1964, Adam moved his family to Pierre, S.D., where he was a salesman for Western States Wholesale for 14 years. He returned to Sterling in 1978 where he was employed by Evans Railcar. Adam and Jane moved to Junction City, Kan., where he worked for ITEL Railcar.

They returned to Colorado in 1998 settling in Fleming and residing there until the time of his death. Adam had a passion for life, family and friends and adored his 15 grandchildren. He always had a story and a joke. Adam was an avid gardener and was well known around the Fleming community for his beautiful flowers. He enjoyed painting and drawing and was an all around handyman. Adam played fastpitch softball, pitching his last game at the age of 45 in 1978.

Adam is survived by his seven children: Adele (Pat) Brown of Centennial, Randy Bellendir of Sterling, Renee (Roger) Pimple of Sterling, Craig Bellendir of Greeley, Michelle (Ted) St. John of Windsor, Scott (Kelly) Bellendir of Junction City, and Brad (Julie) Bellendir of Aurora; 15 grandchildren: Emily Brown; Ryan, Kyle and Jamie Pimple; Michael; Shannon; Jeremy and Jayna St. John; Adam, Ashley and Jarrett Bellendir; Madison, Colby, Jacob and Chloe Jane Bellendir; and special friend Jake Harrington. Sisters Catherine Bellendir and Annie Fowler, brothers Alex, Pete, Steve, Joe, Lawrence and Robert Bellendir, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Jane Bellendir, his mother and father, sister Mary Loos and brothers Anthony, John, Jake, George, Andrew and Philip.

Memorials can be sent to Northeast Colorado Cancer Research Association, P.O. Box 117, Merino, CO 80741. - Paid memorial.

Journal-Advocate, 4/6/2006