Ron C. Clute

Ron Clute, 73, formerly of Greeley, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 14, 2017, in his mountain home in Silverthorne, CO.  Viewing and visitation was held on April 20 at Drinkwine Family Mortuary and the funeral service was held on April 21 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Littleton, CO.

Ron was born near Colesburg, IA, the son of Roger and Luetta (Holthaus) Clute on January 10, 1944.  He served honorably with the United States Marine Corps for four years. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of California, Northridge, a master’s in economics with a public finance concentration from the California State University at Long Beach, and a doctor of philosophy in economics with a public finance concentration from the University of Notre Dame.  Ron taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago, University of Wyoming and Metropolitan State University of Denver.  He retired from teaching, after 25 years, to devote full time to the Clute Institute which he founded in 1985.

On October 8, 1983, he married the love of his life, Diane Pielat. They were blessed with four children.  Ron and Diane were both active in the community. They spent most weekends at their mountain home where they would go hiking and snowshoeing, have dinner at the Elks Club, and enjoy the company of friends. Ron never met a bottle of wine he didn’t like, nor a Bronco’s or Notre Dame football game he couldn’t watch.  He also enjoyed traveling the world with his family and discovering new places.  He had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Russia, Turkey, among many others. His favorite by far was Santorini, Greece. 

Ron was known for many things: his family, sense of humor, his kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, his love for wood [working] and rope tricks. He left an impression on everyone he met, and had a way of making you feel like part of the family.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Diane, and their children: Stephanie Hoffman (Justin) of Littleton, CO; Amanda Clute of Aubrey, TX; Eric Clute of Littleton, CO; and Nicole Clute of Tioga, Texas.  He is also survived by his mother, Luetta Clute of Manchester, IA, and his siblings Roxie Watters of Alpharetta, GA; Carol Begley (John) of Marion, IA; Kelly Clute of Center Point, IA; Charles Clute of Colorado Springs, CO; Jerry Clute (Kari) of Peyton, CO; John Clute (Deb) of Ames, IA; Mary Heller (Tom) of Alto, MI; Pat Clute of Solon, IA; and Russell Clute of Manchester, IA.  Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Clute.

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