Donnie Learned
1955-08-13 2024-12-10
Donald Bryan Learned was born on Aug. 13, 1955, in Denver, Colo., to Gordon and Betty (Dawson) Learned. He passed away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2024, in Summerfield, Fla., after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Betty; and his older brother, Bruce Learned. He is survived by his wife, Mary Rudolf; his daughter, Kelsey Learned; his grandson, Preston Learned; his nephew, Kacey (Allison) Learned; niece, Mikelle Learned; great-nephew, Jackson Learned; and numerous cherished friends.
Donnie grew up in south Denver, where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School, later continuing his education at the University of Northern Colorado. In 1982, he moved to Pueblo, Colo., where he spent 33 years working as an insurance broker with SCA Insurance. Donnie was a dedicated community member who served on the boards of the Pueblo Housing Authority and NeighborWorks. He was a member of The Colorado Mile High Clam and Lobster Club and a proud founding member of his Friday 12:31 Lunch Club. A true Colorado native Donnie was a loyal Denver Broncos fan, who enjoyed running, cycling, golf and skiing. Donnie loved spending time and doing projects with his daughter and being the best Pop-Pop to his only grandchild Preston.
During retirement, Donnie enjoyed traveling around the world where he formed lifelong friendships. It was his passion for traveling that inspired his relocation to Florida in July 2024. Though cancer cut his Florida retirement short, Donnie embraced his new Florida lifestyle, cherishing his palm trees and never losing his positive outlook. In his final days, he maintained a sense of humor and always found something to laugh about. His final message to those he leaves behind is: “LIVE, LIVE, LIVE!”
A Celebration of Life will be held from from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday Jan. 4, 2025, at CaT’s Pourhouse, 147 Tiffany Drive, Pueblo West, CO.
Donnie grew up in south Denver, where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School, later continuing his education at the University of Northern Colorado. In 1982, he moved to Pueblo, Colo., where he spent 33 years working as an insurance broker with SCA Insurance. Donnie was a dedicated community member who served on the boards of the Pueblo Housing Authority and NeighborWorks. He was a member of The Colorado Mile High Clam and Lobster Club and a proud founding member of his Friday 12:31 Lunch Club. A true Colorado native Donnie was a loyal Denver Broncos fan, who enjoyed running, cycling, golf and skiing. Donnie loved spending time and doing projects with his daughter and being the best Pop-Pop to his only grandchild Preston.
During retirement, Donnie enjoyed traveling around the world where he formed lifelong friendships. It was his passion for traveling that inspired his relocation to Florida in July 2024. Though cancer cut his Florida retirement short, Donnie embraced his new Florida lifestyle, cherishing his palm trees and never losing his positive outlook. In his final days, he maintained a sense of humor and always found something to laugh about. His final message to those he leaves behind is: “LIVE, LIVE, LIVE!”
A Celebration of Life will be held from from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday Jan. 4, 2025, at CaT’s Pourhouse, 147 Tiffany Drive, Pueblo West, CO.
Through tears and smiles, I am toasting you my precious lifelong friend of over 55 years and missing you dear Donnie... I treasure every shared moment from way back at the YMCA to our recent 50th high school reunion, so thankful you were there with so many friends and that we all got to share long awaited hugs in person. Over the years, your friendship blessed my life in tons of ways. You are a great man with a beautiful heart. I will see you again someday for that party in heaven with our God who has never let go of our hands... until then, I love you and I'm holding you, Mary, Kelsey, Preston and your dear friends in my heart and prayers.
tribute by Patty McMullen Robinette