Herman Todeschi
Life member - Army
Herman Todeschi Obituary
Herman Todeschi, 100, passed away on January 7th, 2024, at home with his family by his side.
Herman was born on March 26, 1923, in Coal Creek, Colorado to Joe and Amalia Todeschi. Herman and his parents lived in Silverton, Colorado until he was 6 years old. They built a home in Durango, Colorado and moved there in 1929. Herman attended grade school through high school in Durango. He graduated from high school in 1941. Upon graduation, Herman moved to Los Angeles, California area with several of his high school buddies. While there he joined the Army Air Corps and served for 3 years. In the Air Corps he was a Flight Navigator and Mechanic. Herman was the recipient of several awards/medals: EAME ribbon, Good Conduct medal, Dist. Unit Badge and 7 Bronze stars. He served in the American 8th, British 8th, and the Air Battle of the Balkans. In 1945 Herman returned home from his service in the military.
Herman worked in various mining capacities in Silverton and Ouray. In the summer he would work at the Muldoon Mine in the La Platas.
Herman met Gladys Mizell and they married in 1950. They purchased the Oasis bar and worked there together until their divorce. Herman and Gladys had 4 children together and remained close throughout the years.
Herman worked at the V.F.W. in Durango from the 60's through early 70's. He was an active volunteer in the community during this time as well. Herman was a lifetime member of the V.F.W., American Legion and Elks of Durango.
In 1975 Herman went back to work in the Mayflower Mine in Silverton, Colorado; moving quickly from mill hand to shift boss. He worked there for 14 years until the mining company went out of business. From there he went to work in Arizona for the Crown King Mine for a short stent. Finally, he went back to Silverton and worked for Sunnyside Gold Corp., an Echo Bay Company as a Surface Superintendent until his retirement in 1989.
Upon retirement, Herman moved to Bayfield, Colorado, to help take care of Gladys until her death in 1997. There he enjoyed spending time with family, gardening and tinkering around the house until his final days.
Herman was preceded in death by his father, Giuseppe (Joe) Todeschi in 1932; his stepfather, Herman Dalla in 1960; and his mother, Amalia Todeschi in 1961; his former wife, Gladys Todeschi in 1997; his daughter, Carol Johnson in 2022; and great-grandchildren, Fairyn Craig in 2000 and Anthony Todeschi in 2003; as well as many good friends.
Herman is survived by sons Joseph Todeschi, Herman L. Todeschi (Maggie), daughter, Sandra Windorski (Jeff), son-in-law Charles Johnson, 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to close friend, Dave Ferguson, who was always there for Herman. We would also like to thank Dr.
Lavengood, who took amazing care of Herman over the years. Thank you to Durango Hospice, and especially nurse Shannon and caregiver Lilly.
