Jon Fulfs

JOHNSTON, Colo. – Dr. Jon Charles Fulfs of Johnston, Colo., died peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends on Sunday evening, Aug. 1, 2010, at Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, Colo.

He was born Oct. 26, 1941, in Dixon, to Wilber and Mary (Small) Fulfs. He grew up on the family farm and attended Dixon schools. He graduated from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, with a BA and MA degree.

He studied at University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan., becoming one of the first scientists to use the electron microscope. That skill took him to Michigan where he worked in the labs for Dow Chemical. After a few years in Michigan, he moved to Albany, N.Y., where he earned a Ph.D. in toxicology from Albany Medical Center. From Albany, he went to Ohio where he became president of Springborn Institute for Bioresearch. In 1982, desiring to own his own business, he moved to Fort Collins, Colo., where he established Inhausen Research Institute. He served as president of Inhausen until 2007, when he sold it and settled into an active retirement.

His research included significant work on health-related studies. He did private investigative work on health and safety, and served as a valuable witness in events involving hazardous materials. He lectured in both the United States and Japan on topics related to toxicology. He also was the author of many scientific reports and articles. He taught classes at Colorado State University and Front Range Community College, both in Fort Collins, Colo.

He married Judith Elsberry in 1963, and had three children. He married Susan Rives in 1973, and Bonita Overfelt in 1982. All ended in divorce.

Jon is survived by his loving friend and companion, Peg Grimm, who dedicated the past year to providing both companionship and care as his illness progressed. Jon also leaves his loving children, Vonda Fulfs and her husband, Rich Fazzi of Roseville, Calif., Erich Fulfs of Seattle, and Celia Fulfs of Burnt Hills, N.Y. Other survivors include his granddaughters, Mikaila and Danielle Fulfs of Seattle, and grandson, Frank Marin of Burnt Hills, Calif.; his sisters, Kay (Russ) Cayler of Dixon, Calif., and Mae (Jerry) McClernon of Hernando, Fla.; niece, Mae (Kyle) Wilson and her family of Powhaten, Va., as well as cousin, Marilyn Shippert of Dixon.

A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Masonic Lodge, 225 W. Oak St., Fort Collins, Colo.; followed by a pig roast at noon at Fossil Creek Park, 5821 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins.

As was his choice, he was cremated. His ashes will be scattered at a later date at chosen locations. Arrangements were completed by Allnutt Funeral Service, Loveland, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, Jon requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Visit www.allnutt.com to send condolences.