Longmont, Colorado, Charley Vlietstra, Passes Away, Leaving His Wife, Emily, and Three Children

A Longmont, Colorado community is coming together to support Emily Vlietstra and her three young daughters after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her husband, Charley.

A GoFundMe campaign titled “Community Care for Emily and Her Girls” was launched just hours ago and has already raised nearly $12,000 of its $50,000 goal, with 48 donors stepping up in the earliest hours of the fundraiser.

Charley Vlietstra was described by those who knew him as a devoted husband, father, protector, and provider. His passing has left behind Emily and their three daughters, Margo, Etta, and baby Ruby, who now face an uncertain road ahead without the man who anchored their family.

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The loss is not only emotional but also deeply practical, as the family adjusts to life without Charley’s presence in every corner of their daily lives.

The fundraiser was organized by Lisa Waldo, a close friend, doula partner, and former client of Emily’s. In her campaign description, Lisa wrote plainly about what this family is up against.

She described Charley as someone who led his family with kindness, gentleness, patience, and joy, qualities Emily herself is now praying she can carry forward as a single mother raising three little girls.

Friends and community members who shared the campaign online spoke about how deeply Emily is loved. Rachel Thoms, one of the women who spread the word on social media, called Emily extraordinary and addressed the three girls directly, reminding them that their mother is a remarkable woman.

Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that while no amount of money can fill the hole left by Charley, lifting the financial weight off Emily’s shoulders is one real and tangible way the community can show up for her.

How the Funds Will Be Used

The money raised will go directly toward providing stability and security for Emily and her daughters as they rebuild their lives.

Funeral and memorial costs, daily living expenses, housing security, and the ongoing financial needs of raising three children are all part of what this family now faces alone. Emily is not asking for anything extravagant. She is asking for breathing room during one of the most devastating seasons a person can walk through.

Donors have already given generously. Several contributions of $500 came in within the first hour, and one donor gave $1,000. The response reflects how wide Emily’s circle of support truly is, stretching well beyond her immediate neighborhood in Longmont.

If you would like to donate, the GoFundMe campaign can be found by searching “Community Care for Emily and Her Girls” on gofundme.com.

Even small contributions add up. And if giving financially is not possible right now, the campaign organizers have made clear that prayers and kind messages are equally welcomed and deeply appreciated by this family navigating unimaginable grief.