Herbert Henry Rixse

Hebert Henry Rixse, 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford, following a decline in health after a fall in June of 2016.

He was born in a homesteaders shack 30 miles north of La Junta near Arlington, the son of Henry Rixse and Cordelia (Arensman) Rixse, he was a lifelong resident of Kiowa and Otero Counties. Mr. Rixse was the only child of the couple and was able to attend a one room school house on the edge the family ranch property. After starting high school, his father’s eyesight forced Herbert to withdraw from high school and take care of the family ranch. Because the family could not survive without his support he was exempted from WWII service. He met his wife, Cleda Holdeman, while she was teaching grades 1-12 at the Arlington two-room school in 1951. Herbert married Cleda in 1950 at the First Mennonite Church of Denver. The couple then resided at the Kiowa County ranch for the first 9 years of their marriage. While living at the ranch they experienced the birth of their two sons David and Melvin. When both sons reached school age, Cleda went back to her profession of elementary school teacher in the La Junta school district so the family moved their residence to La Junta. Herbert continued ranching for another 28 years commuting from their home in La Junta. He retired from ranching in 1988 where he continued to enjoy his life at Casa del Sol for almost 20 years. Mr. Rixse continued his strong support of the Emmanuel Mennonite Church here in La Junta. The family will miss Herbert’s competitive after dinner games of dominos and rummikub.

He is survived by his sons, David (Cassia) Rixse of Albuquerque, NM and Melvin (Anita) Rixse of Anchorage, AK; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Cleda in 2003.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Mennonite Church with Pastor Jeremy Yoder officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests all donations go to the Emmanuel Mennonite Church in La Junta.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.