In memory of Allan J. Kuderca, who passed away on June 16, in his Pagosa Springs home with his loving wife and friends by his side, following a short illness.
Allan was born in New Castle, Penn. (near Pittsburgh), in 1949. While growing up in western Pennsylvania, he participated in Boy Scouts, was addicted to history and loved football and baseball. After graduating high school and attending community college, he joined the Navy and married Nan Rowell. They had a son named Jeffrey. While in the Navy, he was stationed in southern California. Allan and Nan divorced and he continued to live in California after leaving the Navy. He worked for the City of Anaheim and other contracting businesses while there. In his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially Yosemite National Park, and loved to play and coach baseball. One season, he coached a little league team to second place in the California state finals. He came close to his dream of playing in the winter leagues with the Anaheim Angels, but was hampered by a shoulder injury.
In 1989, Allan achieved his other dream to escape the congestion of the west coast by moving to Pagosa Springs. He eventually ran his own companies, Heritage Custom Homes and Heritage Log Works, and a few past co-workers followed to work for him here in Pagosa Springs. Over the last 25 years, Allan managed to build dozens of beautiful, custom log and frame homes all over Colorado and New Mexico. Several were featured in national log home magazines. He also built lasting relationships with many of the homeowners, as well as employees and other contractors.
Since moving to Pagosa Springs, Allan was able to reconnect with his son Jeff, who currently lives in Ohio with his wife, Yvonne, and their two daughters, Breanna and Natalee. They developed a strong bond, which Allan highly treasured. He was also proud to be the godfather of Dylan Lindberg, who has grown into a wonderful young man. Allan’s encouragement led Dylan to join the Cub Scouts many years ago and last year, he achieved his Eagle Scout badge. Allan met his current wife, Carla, here and they’ve had many wonderful years together.
Over the years, Allan enjoyed camping all over the Four Corners area, golfing, collecting Coleman lanterns, rebuilding his 1937 Plymouth and watching the Steelers, Broncos and Rockies. He had a special affinity for animals and they for him. Allan is survived by his loving wife, Carla Kruger, of Pagosa Springs, his son Jeffrey Kuderca (wife Yvonne) and granddaughters Breanna and Natalee, of Dublin, Ohio.
Allan’s remains will be cremated according to his wishes and there will be a celebration of his life later this summer. The date is still to be determined, but will be published in advance for all who might be interested.
For those who desire to offer gifts, instead please consider donating in Allan’s name to the Humane Society, the National Park Service or the Boy Scouts.
