Rundus Funeral Home

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United States
Broomfield, CO
Rundus Funeral Home

Since 1993, we’ve provided quality funeral & cremation services. Our beautiful facility was designed specifically with your needs in mind.

For nearly 25 years, we’ve provided our neighbors in the Broomfield area with quality funeral, burial, and cremation services. With easy access to I-25 and Highway 36, we provide the quality, compassion, and convenience you can only expect from a family-owned funeral home. Unlike some cremation providers in our area, we’ll never send your loved one to another location to a cremation provider you neither know or had the opportunity to research. Since we own and operate our own private crematory, we can promise your loved one will never leave our professional care and that they will be treated with respect and dignity throughout the whole process. Our chapel, visitation rooms, and reception facilities can accommodate any service – whether you’re planning a large, traditional funeral service and visitation, or an intimate memorial with close family and friends. Whether you are at your moment of need, or you would like to preplan, we invite you to reach out to our experienced, caring team.

11/25/2025

The death of a loved one can be incredibly difficult. A funeral is an opportunity to gather with family and friends, strengthen your support system, and begin the healing process. Learn more about our funeral services on our website: https://www.rundus.com/services/funerals

11/24/2025

Honoring our Heritage: Hollywood Comes to Broomfield

Throughout the 1940’s more and more pressure began to mount for a direct highway to be developed between Denver and Boulder. The Colorado Legislature eventually agreed upon a plan to develop a turnpike to be built with a single toll station. The next step was purchasing rights-of-way from property owners along the proposed route. Altogether, 115 parcels were purchased. One of the major purchases was for the cloverleaf at the Broomfield interchange. It was completely within the boundaries of William Brown’s original homestead, where he had settled in 1885. The ground was broken in Boulder in October of 1950, and by late November, a rough grade extended halfway from Boulder to Broomfield.

On a cold Saturday in January 1952, over a thousand people crowded onto the pavement at the Broomfield interchange for the official opening of the four-lane divided highway. Governor Don Thornton declared, “This turnpike will become famous as one of the most scenic drives in the nation. It will show Colorado’s beauty to the rest of the world.” One thing was sure: the little farming community of Broomfield would change forever. In the beginning, the new highway didn’t have much effect on the community. If anything, it was quieter as it was the first time in its history that north-south traffic went around it instead of through it. But change was getting ready to come in with a rush.

The former Zang property holdings were soon sold to the Turnpike Land Company, which had developed the Turnpike. Almost immediately, they began to develop plans to create a city by the turnpike of some 20,000 people. Their stated reason, they claimed, was that Denver and Boulder were filling up and that there was a need for high-class country living. A water main was developed from the Great Western Reservoir, five miles southwest of Broomfield, and a complete sewage disposal system and all other utilities were also planned for the $100 million community. 954 houses were to be built in the first phase, located south of Midway Boulevard. Around 850 were to be built in the second phase. The first houses went on the market in August 1955.

1955 was a busy and exciting year for the rapidly developing community as new schools and businesses were developed, along with many new homes. Richard L. List was elected co-chairman of the newly formed Broomfield Heights Civic Association, and just before Christmas that year, his wife gave birth to the first baby born in Broomfield Heights, Richard L. List, Jr.. Eager to showcase their community, the Turnpike Land Company worked to get the community’s name out any way they could.

At the time, one of the most popular radio programs was "The Great Gildersleeve." It was based on the comical character, Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, who first appeared as a regular on “Fibber McGee and Molly” in 1939. He became so popular that they decided to give him his own show in 1940, making it the first successful spin-off show on either radio or television. Originally the character was voiced by Harold Peary, but he was replaced in 1950 by Willard L. Waterman, a close friend who looked and sounded so much like him they could easily pass for brothers.

By the mid-‘50s, television was beginning to replace radio as America’s favorite mode of entertainment. Several successful radio shows tried to transition to television, some with greater success than others. Many of them, like “Gunsmoke,” chose to go with different actors on their TV shows than they used on the radio but continued for several years to broadcast on both mediums. “The Great Gildersleeve” was one of those programs that tried to take advantage of both mediums simultaneously but chose, for the most part, to use the same cast for both radio and television. “The Great Gildersleeve” premiered on television about the same time as the new community of Broomfield Heights was being developed. On the show, Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve was the honorary water commissioner of the mythical town of Summerfield, a town that took its water seriously.

The publicity agent for The Turnpike Land Company teamed up with Waterman to bring Gildersleeve to Broomfield Heights. The press release read in part, "Willard ‘Bill’ Waterman, who as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve amuses millions of television viewers as the star of the NBC-TV series, 'The Great Gildersleeve,' has been named honorary water commissioner for Broomfield Heights, Colorado, the new community north of Denver that will be Colorado’s fifth largest city by 1960… The Turnpike Land Company, developers of Broomfield Heights, spent nearly $3 million in water, sewage, lights, streets, and planning before a single house was built in the city.”

11/21/2025

Healing from grief is a personal journey. Take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself. Visit our website for tips on navigating your grief journey: https://www.rundus.com/services/grief-recovery

11/20/2025

Every life deserves a meaningful farewell. Our cremation services are designed to honor your loved one's memory in a dignified and compassionate manner. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.rundus.com/services/cremation

11/19/2025

When you preplan, you give your family the gift of clarity. They’ll know exactly how you wish to be honored, and you'll save them the stress of making complex decisions during a time of grief. Start preplanning today: https://www.rundus.com/planning/planning-ahead

11/18/2025

Did you know that you can practice mindfulness from almost anywhere? Whether it’s a mindful walk, a focused breathing exercise, or savoring a snack, mindfulness can be easily integrated into your daily life. Discover more tips on practicing mindfulness here: https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/07/7-ways-to-practice-mindfulness

11/17/2025

Honoring our Heritage: Billy Joe Austin

Unlike most cities in the United States, the vast majority of the citizens who make up the fabric of Broomfield and its rich heritage are not natives. After all, not only is it the youngest city in the nation, but it has also grown at an unprecedented rate (from a population of 200 in 1952 to over 75,000 in 2022). Billy Joe Austin fits into this group of transplants who made Broomfield home. He moved here around 1967 in the early days of the growth boon and lived here for 45 years by the time of his death in 2012.

Billy was born in Henry County, in Western Tennessee on April 7, 1933, to Rufus and Ethel Irby Austin. He grew up in McKenzie, Tennessee, and graduated from high school there. At an early age, he developed an interest in and love for the publishing industry. By the time he was in his twenties, he landed the position of printer for the
Post-Intelligencer, the newspaper in Paris, Tennessee.

After his first marriage ended, he accepted a position as a printer for the old Rocky Mountain News in Denver, Colorado, and settled in Broomfield, Colorado. He took an active role in the International Typographical Union, one of the first Unions in the United States. A trade union for the printing trade for newspapers and other print media, it was founded in 1852 and at its peak boasted over 100,000 members. It was one of the first unions to admit female members, admitting the first women in 1869. Eventually, the national organization moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Billy served as the president of the Denver Typographical Chapter and the vice president of the International Typographical Union.

Over the years, the publishing industry changed drastically with the rise of photographic and digital technology and desktop printing. By 1986 the membership in the ITU had fallen to 40,000 working printers and 35,000 retirees. It became apparent that the organization was going to have to join a larger body if it was to be effective as the new century approached. Billy helped lead efforts to help it merge with the Communication Workers of America in January of 1987. ITU was the oldest trade union left in the United States at the time. It is now the Printing, Publishing, and Media Workers Sector of the CWA, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

He was very loyal and active in the Masons for 50 years as a member of the Knights Templar. A fraternal order affiliated with Freemasonry but unlike most other Masonic orders which only require a belief in a Supreme Being, the Knights Templar is open only to Freemasons who profess a belief in Christianity, and members commit to protect and defend the Christian faith. The father of five and grandfather of eight left behind his wife and family on November 26, 2012. His arrangements were handled by Rundus Funeral Home, and he was buried in the Broomfield County Commons Cemetery near a grandchild who had died in 1989 as a toddler. His wife joined him there seven years later.

11/14/2025

Adding personal touches to a funeral service is a meaningful step in the grieving process. These details can truly capture the uniqueness of your loved one’s life. Visit our website to explore the many personalization options: https://www.rundus.com/services/personalization

11/13/2025

Funerals are a deeply emotional time for everyone involved. During the planning process and the event itself, it's helpful to listen to others, embrace your feelings, and re-establish your priorities. Visit our website to learn more about our funeral services: https://www.rundus.com/services/funerals

11/12/2025

Supporting veterans and their families is an important part of our mission. We provide compassionate care and guidance at every step of the funeral planning process. Visit our website for more information: https://www.rundus.com/services/veterans

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to reflect on the service of veterans—past and present—whose dedication reminds us of the value of sacrifice and remembrance.

11/10/2025

Honoring our Heritage: John J. Atkinson

John Jason Atkinson was born on April 21, 1926, in New York to John J. Atkinson I and his wife Edith. (John was John lIl.) He was raised in Flushing, New York, which is located in Queens. Following his graduation from high school, he was called upon to serve his nation and served a tour of duty with the US Navy as a medic during World War Il. After returning stateside, he enrolled at the University of Denver where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Arts and Sciences in June of 1950. The fall after he graduated, he was accepted by and entered law school at the university.

While a student at DU, he met Verna Hidy from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She was a year behind him, and they became well-known fixtures at school social events. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. In October of 1950, her senior year of college and his first year as a law student, she broke the news to her sorority sisters that they planned to be married the next June following her graduation. However, they decided they couldn't wait and married on March 8, 1951, instead.

After earning his law degree and passing his bar exam, John set up practice in the Farmers Union Building in Denver. In February of 1956, he became the second licensed customhouse broker in Denver giving him the ability to serve as an agent for importers in clearing merchandise through the customs office in the state courthouse. Three years later, he became a stockholder and member of the board of directors of the Denver area's first importing company specializing in building materials for large contractors. It was named the Associated Materials Company Incorporated (AMCI). In addition to the Denver offices, the AMCI also had offices in Milan, Italy, and Los Angeles, California.

In 1958, John and Varna moved to Broomfield as Broomfield Heights was still in its infancy. They were soon heavily involved in the life of the community, with her holding various political responsibilities and him an early president of the Rotary Club and also an active member of the Jaycees. As the hamlet began to grow, they turned to John because of his law degree and legal expertise to serve as the first justice of the peace, and for several years he presided over court twice a week in a spare room in his home.

During the 1950s and '60s, Broomfield was a popular place for U.S. military veterans to buy homes, especially with the programs instituted after World War II to help veterans purchase homes As a result, the area was rich in military lore. Several veterans gathered at a local restaurant to drink coffee and exchange stories. By 2000, they realized they had collected enough artifacts and stories to create a museum, and the idea was born. By the end of 2002, the six men had been granted a room in the former Mamie Doud Eisenhower Library building in Broomfield's Garden Center. The six men who founded the museum were Robert Davenport, retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army; Paul Murphy, U.S. Navy veteran and survivor of the USS Indianapolis; Robert Seeber, U.S. Navy Veteran; Vic Boccard, U.S. Marine veteran; John Atkinson, U.S. Navy veteran; and William Humphrey who was not a veteran but a former professor and lawyer who was very patriotic and who gave heavily to the project.

In the beginning, when it was first opened to the public in early 2003, it only occupied one room, but over time it grew to occupy the entire building. Today the museum houses nine rooms of exhibits, a library with over 2,500 history/military books and hundreds of archived videos of veteran interviews, and a multimedia room that seats over 40 people. The museum is free to the public and twice a month offers a presentation called Coffee and Conversation where you can hear fascinating stories from local veterans and historians. The exhibits are rotated on a regular basis.

During her retirement years, Verna spent countless hours volunteering at the Broomfield Depot Museum as well as the Broomfield Senior Center. She passed away on June 28, 2009, at the age of 80. John joined her in death on July 9, 2017, at the age of 91. They rest together in the Broomfield County Commons Cemetery.

Address

1998 W 10th Avenue
Broomfield, CO
80020

Telephone

+13034601414

Website

http://www.rundus.com/

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