Phillip Neitenbach

Phillip James Neitenbach, of Erie, CO, passed away peacefully on October 25th, 2021 at the age of 88. Phillip was born March 6th, 1933 in Cleveland, OH to Philip and Elizabeth Neitenbach. He was preceded in death by his older brother John Neitenbach of North Olmstead, OH, and is survived by his younger sister Nancy Gerardi of Erie, CO, along with Marie Neitenbach his wife of 68 years, and their children. Phillip enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War. Later that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Marie Forbes, and began what turned into a 68-year love affair. Phillip and Marie went on to have eight sons and 43 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1955, he began his civilian career as a barber, yet he soon realized a career change was needed to support his growing family. He then began a lifelong career in construction where he mastered several trades, and that ultimately led he and his family to Colorado. Being an avid skier and ski instructor, he moved his family from Cleveland to Boulder, Colorado in the summer of 1972. He wanted a better environment for his young family, and he and Marie felt that Colorado and its world-class skiing would be just the right place. Once in Colorado, Phillip's entrepreneurial spirit took hold, where he founded several successful construction firms. The primary business, Horizon West Builders, still thrives today as a family-owned, three-generation construction company that designs and builds commercial and residential projects throughout the state. Phillip was a man of unquestionable character and principle who was always eager to help his friends and family whenever called upon, or if he simply felt someone needed a hand. After retiring from general contracting at the age of 63, he developed a passion sculpting granite and marble. Over his remaining years, he sculpted hundreds of beautiful granite and marbles statues, and other objects for friends and family as gifts. Being a loving and committed husband and father was his lifelong priority and focus, and he never wavered in that commitment. He was an exemplary role model and Father for his eight sons and extended family. Phillip is survived by his beautiful bride Marie, and seven of their eight sons: Mark and Meredeth Neitenbach of Berthoud, CO, Scott and Annick Neitenbach of Lafayette, CO, Bryan and Kim Neitenbach of Brighton, CO, Terry and Lucy Neitenbach of Boulder, CO, Rick and Tess Neitenbach of Louisville, CO, Jeff and Anna-Maria Neitenbach of Louisville, CO and Gerry and Sue Neitenbach of Sanford, NC. Phillip and Marie have 43 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Neil Neitenbach in 1992. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the Greenwood and Myers Funeral Home on Friday, November 5th. Funeral and memorial services for Phillip will immediately follow visitation at 2:15 pm, at Greenwood and Myers Funeral Home.