Justin Zane Wiltfang

Justin Zane Wiltfang was born on September 16, 1969, in Brush, Colorado, and passed away on February 25, 2026, at Banner North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado.

At the age of five, Justin moved with his family to Wray, Colorado, where they settled north of town. Known to many as “Gus”—a nickname lovingly given to him by his grandmother, Emma Wiltfang—Justin grew up immersed in the western lifestyle he cherished. From an early age, he was riding horses, roping, and raising livestock of all kinds. He attended Wray Elementary School and Buchanan Junior High School.

Justin had a deep love for hunting, fishing, and especially horses. Gifted with a rope from a young age, he once entertained parents and school mates by performing rope tricks during an elementary school program. He had a competitive spirit and enjoyed every opportunity to put his skills to the test. Justin qualified for the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals in Colorado Springs, winning a go-round in junior ribbon roping, and he frequently competed in gymkhanas, rodeos, and local team roping events.

During his school years, Justin was active in 4-H and FFA, played American Legion baseball in Haigler, Nebraska, and lettered in both football and wrestling. He graduated from Wray High School in 1988. After a brief time at Northeastern Colorado Junior College, Justin chose to follow a different path, dedicating himself to ranching, riding, and various skilled trades.

On New Year’s Day in 1995, Justin married Lore Stevens at Beecher Island Church. The couple made their home in Southwest City, Missouri, where they welcomed three daughters—Shania, Bailey, and Autumn. In 2004, the family returned to Colorado. Justin was known for his way with horses, being good with a rope, and his ability to fix just about anything. Even as he faced significant health challenges in the final five years of his life, he never lost his sense of humor or his enduring cowboy grit.

Justin was preceded in death by his father, Everett Wiltfang, and his mother, Jean Wiltfang, both of Wray, Colorado.

He is survived by his daughters, Shania Wiltfang, Bailey Wiltfang, and Autumn Glasscock (Brandon); grandchildren, Briar and Ryder Bussell; his siblings: Tammy (Doug) Rogers of Burlington, Colorado; Steve (Deb) Wiltfang of Cle Elum, Washington; Julie Meek of Wray, Colorado; Rhonda (Scott) Jones of Yuma, Colorado; and Jason (Jody) Wiltfang of Wray, Colorado; as well as his niece Micki (Scott) Cantrell of Vernon, Colorado, and many other cherished nieces and nephews.

Justin will be remembered for his steadfast cowboy spirit he carried proudly throughout his years.

Graveside services will be held March 23, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in Glendale Cemetery in Vernon Colorado.