Joel Belmer

Joel Jonathan Belmer, born September 28th, 1977, passed away on Friday, February 20th, at the age of 37. Joel is survived by his wife Beth Tupta, mother Kathy (Glenn) Cooperman and father David Belmer, sister Megan, brother Aaron, stepsisters Mary and Tasie Cooperman, grandmother Juanita (Milt) James, Aunt Patricia (Bob) Ritz, Uncle Tony (Caron) Stajduhar, cousins Stephanie, Ali, and Tori Stajduhar, father and mother-in-law James and Mary Tupta, and beloved four-legged "yellow son," Yoda. Joel is preceded in death by his Grandfather Tony Edward Stajduhar Sr. He will also be remembered by a host of close friends, former students and Odog clients.

Joel was the master of many trades who lived life passionately with a loving warm soul and genuine heart. Among his many talents he was a former kindergarten teacher at Slavens Elementary, a tennis coach at Thomas Jefferson High School, he served as a Special Olympics Coach for several years, and was the owner/founder of Odog adventures, to name a few. A man who would do anything for his family, friends, employees and "odogs," Joel will be forever remembered for his infectious personality, contagious laugh, quick wit, sense of humor, and deep passion for life.

His energy and spirit made a lasting impression as he was always smiling, cracking jokes, and making people's days brighter. He had a love and a special bond with children and was considered a wonderful teacher and role model. Joel was also an adventurer who loved the outdoors and hiking. Whether a short hike in Evergreen or 500 miles on the Colorado Trail, he lived in the moment and truly indulged in life's beauty. His passion and love of animals could not be denied. It was out of the norm to see him without a surrounding of dogs and a big smile on his face; a treasured "animal whisperer." He had a gift for poetry and rapping and would spontaneously bust out a rap for a crowd or write a card or a toast full of rhymes, rhythm, and jokes. Joel was a devoted husband, son and fierce friend who touched countless lives and will be greatly missed. His humor, warm, genuine heart, and pure zest for life were gifts to us all and will always be remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, February 25th at 4pm. People will be gathering between the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and City Park lake for a short outdoor service (snow or shine) and then will move to Annie's Café at 3100 East Colfax. Memorial contributions can be made at http://www.gofundme.com/bethbelmer