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November 5, 1943 – September 19, 2022

Sharon Marlene Steffke passed away on September 19th, 2022. She is proceeded in death by her son, Chris Bergendoff. She is survived by her husband, Steve, her dogs, additional family members, and many dear friends. Sharon’s ashes will be scattered in the mountains at a private event, per Sharon’s request.

Sharon was born on November 5th, 1943 in Nampa Idaho. Sharon was the eldest of 4 children to Willard and Irene Sitts. Sharon’s family moved several times, finally settling in Northern, Illinois where Sharon married and had a son, Chris Bergendoff. Sharon fiercely loved and supported Chris in any way she could – she was even his Den Mother in Cub Scouts.

Sharon’s work career began when she was in High School in Idaho as a carhop. She worked across the street from a competitive burger joint owned by some guy named Paul Revere (later of the Raiders). Sharon was so good that they were constantly trying to steal her away.

In 1977, Sharon was a single mother working in a factory. During her midnight shift, she met a coworker, Steve Steffke, who became her best friend, husband, and soulmate for the next 45 years.

In 1978, Sharon married Steve. Sharon and Steve created their first home together in Elgin, Illinois where Sharon worked in Nursing at Sherman Hospital and Steve worked in the Hi-Fi Business. Steve’s work eventually led them to Lakewood, Colorado in 1980. In Colorado, Sharon worked as a Telephone Secretary for 10 years before she and Steve became partners of their own Landscape Business called “Backache Acres.” Sharon and Steve would grow their business for the next 25 years. Sharon often commented “How Lucky they were to know such wonderful clients that really were Good Friends.”

Sharon had many interests that kept her busy including Cooking, Mystery Novels, Classic T.V., Thrift Store Treasures, Their Beloved Dog’s, Camping and Hiking, Concerts at Red Rocks, and Season Tickets to Bronco Games. Once, Sharon and Steve got tickets to the Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami). However, instead of going to the game, they traded the tickets for a hail-dinged camper trailer. Sharon nicknamed the trailer “Dimples.” The family would enjoy Dimples for the next 20 years.

Sharon was also a Community Activist. When a lake near her family home of 32 years was threatened, Sharon helped lead the effort to “Save our Lake” from developers.

In 2001, while out hiking in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Sharon had a heart attack. After a dramatic mountain-side rescue that included a helicopter evacuation, Sharon met the cardiologist who would help her recover and resume her active lifestyle..

In 2014, Sharon and Steve’s lives were shattered by the unexpected death of their son Chris. Sharon’s ever-present optimistic spirit was broken. Sharon and Steve retired to an empty nest lifestyle with their dog’s, Kiki and Rusty. Sharon’s heart health continued to decline until multiple organ failure took her to Heaven.

Donations in Sharon’s honor can be made to Table Mountain Animal Shelter.

February 18, 1933 – September 15, 2022

Richard Miller Kreutzer died on September 15, 2022. He was 89 years old.

Richard was born on February 18, 1933 to Louis G. and Vera Kreutzer (nee Drake). The family lived in the Bronx, NY before moving to Bronxville, NY. Richard often shared fond memories of his childhood with brother Louis (Lou).

During his high school years, Richard shined as a talented athlete exceling in football, basketball, and especially baseball. Later in high school, members of the New York Giants baseball club would pick him up after school to pitch batting practice to the team.

After graduation from Bronxville High School, Richard attended Duke University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in political science and played baseball on the college team. He was offered a major league baseball position in Philadelphia, but declined due to college and military service obligations. Upon graduation, Richard served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Labrador, Canada, where his memories of the cold led him to enjoy sunning for years to follow.

Richard married Barbara Wright (nee Herb) and the couple moved to Denver, CO where he began a lifetime career in banking and served in the Air Force Reserves at Lowry AFB. The couple had three children before they divorced. Richard remarried Mary Kreutzer and they welcomed one son, to the family.

Richard was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf, tennis, and swimming. He indulged in his love for baseball throughout his life and, after retirement, worked for the Colorado Rockies as an usher (well, really a bouncer as he guarded the entrance to the open-air restaurant).

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Mary P. Kreutzer, and his brother Louis George Kreutzer, Jr.

Richard is survived by his daughters, Anne Hebert (Steve), Ellen Kerkhoff (Todd), and sons, Edward Kreutzer (Stephanie), and William Kreutzer (Bridget). He is also survived by his stepson, Brett Scott (Leena), his nephew and niece, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren also mourn his passing along with many former colleagues and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held January 14, 2023 at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am. A light luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

June 27, 1957 – September 13, 2022

Kurt is the youngest child of Gerald and Lucille Brinkhaus. He was 65 years old when he passed away in poor health, peacefully at his Lakewood home.

Kurt is best remembered for his heart of gold and jokes. He worked at King Soopers from 1977 to 1999, mostly at the Florida and Kipling store. He was a popular checker, very seldom would someone leave his line without a big smile. Schools requested him to do store tours with the children. Kurt was very good at winding the kids up and getting them excited about the grocery store business. After King Soopers he worked at various jobs before finishing up his employment career by being an in-house caretaker for his father. Kurt is survived by his siblings Andrea, Greg, also nephews, and niece. We are going to miss his presence, and jokes. Kurt may YOU, along with “All the angels and saints watch over us and keep us safe.”

Kurt’s wish was to hold no services for him. Therefore, no services are planned at this time. He will be buried Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

October 6, 1955 – September 11, 2022

Patricia Ann Bishop was born in Denver, Colorado, to the late Fidencio and Gloria Martinez. Patty died peacefully at the age of 66, in her home in Arvada, Colorado, surrounded by her family. Wife of Michael Bishop; Beloved mother of Marcelino Chavez and Erica Gallegos. Beloved grandma to Elio, Neveah, Justina, Orlando, Lalana, Gloria, and Za´Niyah. Loving sister to Andy (Josie), Linda (Kelly), David, Rita (Armando), and Paul and loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Patty loved her grand kids, Elvis Presley, Motown music, and her dogs. She will be deeply missed for the love and kindness she gave to her family and friends.

October 24, 1933 – September 8, 2022

Jim passed away unexpectedly Sept. 8, 2022. Forty-six days shy of his 89th Birthday. He said he hoped to pass away outdoors, with his work boots on. God was listening, and granted his request… Jim passed away peacefully resting in a chair in the shade of a tree in his Daughters backyard, his loyal companion Tate by his side.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved Wife Joanne, Parents John Morgan, and Orthy (Mae) Barnett Flynn, five Brothers and Sisters, and his Son-in-Law, Russ Critchfield.

Jim was born in 1933, and grew up on a farm in rural Greenville County, South Carolina.

After graduating from Jordan High School (’51), Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in San Diego California, he met and married the love of his life Joanne Suitts. They were united for 54 years.

Jim and Joanne moved their young family to Shaw Heights, Colorado in 1963.

Jim spent most of his working life in the residential construction business, owning his own successful Framing Company.

Jim was a dedicated, good-humored, big-hearted family man, very skilled, and a very hard worker. Many learned a very strong work ethic from him..

Numerous residents in and around the Denver Metro area continue to benefit from Jim’s construction skills, dedication and talent. Anyone who met Jim, was enriched.

Jim is survived by His Son and Daughter, 3 Grandsons and their better halves, Great Granddaughter, Nieces, Nephews, and Tate (Choc. Lab).

After a Family Celebration of Life. Jim’s Cremains will be interred with 36 of his Family loved ones in the Mount Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, Greer, South Carolina.

Love you Papa …

November 15, 1951 – September 6, 2022

Thomas (Tom) Edward Vandermee was born November 15, 1951 and passed away September 6, 2022 at

Lutheran Hospice Center in Wheatridge, Colorado with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law by his side. He

is preceded in death by his beloved son Tommy, his parents Ed and Barbara Jean Vandermee, and his in-

laws James and Berdean Burden. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Deana, son-in-law Mike,

grandsons TJ and Kristopher, dogs Bella and Duke, and several other family members.

Tom was born in Pueblo, Colorado, and grew up in the Englewood, CO area. He graduated from

Sheridan High School in 1969. He was married to Mary in September 1971, and welcomed twins (Deana

and Tommy) in August 1972. In 1973, he joined the Englewood Police Department as a cadet. He spent

38 years with Englewood Police, and retired as Chief of Police in May of 2011. After retirement, he

enjoyed traveling with his wife, golfing, rooting on his Denver Broncos, and spending time with family

and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday 9/17/2022 from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Apex Community

Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003. The Englewood Honor Guard will present

at 1:30pm, followed by a prayer and Eulogy. Light snacks will be served. The family is requesting those

attending dress in casual attire as that is what Tom would want.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Concerns of Police Survivors –

Colorado Chapter at https://www.coloradocops.org/colorado-cops/support-us. This organization helps

families after line of duty death or suicide with counseling and financial support.

December 22, 1955 – September 5, 2022

Robert Scott Gerken, 66, passed away September 5, 2022. Robert is preceded in death by his mother, Deloris Gerken and is survived by his father John Gerken; his sisters Gale Gerken, Leigh Falk (Bruce), and Lori Stenstrom; his nephews and niece Aaron Fiscus (Katie), Amanda Fiscus, Andrew Fiscus, and Cody Falk (Sylvia); and five great nephews and nieces.

Those who knew him know that he was a strong man and know the pain he endured. He fought to the end.

He loved fishing, sports, and all who were dear to him. He will be greatly missed.

Celebration of Life will be in Omaha, Nebraska.

July 5, 1958 – August 31, 2022

Richard (Rick) Abie Tanguma, 64, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday August 31st, 2022, after a second battle with cancer. Rick was born on July 5th, 1958 in Denver, Colorado. He was married to Lynn Tanguma, for 45 years, and was the youngest of 11 children born to Diamantina Hay (Sanchez), and Abelardo Tanguma.

At a young age, Rick fell in love with the game of tennis at Berkley Park in North Denver. This led to him graduating college, from Grand Canyon University, on a full tennis scholarship. Rick played Singles and Doubles for his college tennis team 1985, 1986 and 1987.

His love of tennis and competition permeated his life and led to life long friendships and purpose. This included privately coaching high level tennis players, and being head coach of Arvada West High School’s Men’s Tennis team for the last 10 years. Rick was awarded Jefferson County Tennis Coach of the year in 2021. While coaching at Arvada West he inspired, motivated, and shared his passion with hundreds of young players, including his youngest son Jadon Tanguma, his grandson Josiah, and granddaughter Lucia.

Rick was a sales rep for various companies, including Babolot, Diadora, Pro Kennex, and many other products in the trucking businesses early in his career. The later part of his career, Rick started and ran OZ77, an affordable eyewear distribution company. He chose the name OZ77 as tribute to an Israeli tanking brigade, and because he had a passion of faith, to support Israel and its Biblical importance to his Christian faith.

Rick is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lynn Tanguma, his two sons, Jeremy Tanguma and Jadon Tanguma; his 2 daughters-in-law, Jessie Tanguma, and McKensey (Struzik) Tanguma, and his 3 grandchildren Josiah Tanguma, Lucia Tanguma, and Hazel Tanguma from Jeremy and Jessie. As well as siblings Eliud (Al) Tanguma, Evangeline (Eve) Parton, Ermelindo (Mel) Tanguma, Edna Romero, Annie Garcia, Elaine Shoemaker, Samuel Tanguma and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his mother, Diamantina Sanchez Hay, his father Abelardo E. Tanguma and siblings Eddie Tanguma and Enrique (Henry) Tanguma.

Rick’s legacy will live on through memories, his echoing zeal for intensity and self belief, in stories we all share, but mostly the family, friends, students and faith he left deeply rooted behind. Our world was better for knowing him, we will miss him dearly but he is now where he belongs, with his Lord and Savior, and the rest of our family.

June 23, 2003 – August 27, 2022

Luis is survived by his mother Michelle and father Edgar, Sibling’s Derrick, Xavier, and Victoria, Grandparents Steve, Sharon, Joel, and Guadalupe, And many Aunt’s, Uncle’s, and Cousin’s, As well as many friends.

Luis was born in Louisville Colorado to Michelle and Edgar Jimenez. He passed in his home in Denver Colorado, at the young age of nineteen. Leaving behind many people that loved him so.

Luis cherished the time he spent with family and friends. His smile lit up every room he walked into and if you were having a bad day, he would make it his job to make you smile and laugh. From a young age, Luis had been a character of fun and laughter and showed it through the actions of his loving soul.

Luis enjoyed spending time playing video games with his siblings and friends and never gave up, even when the odds were against him. If you couldn’t find him there, he was probably under his truck working. It was his favorite hobby, and he would spend every day there if time allowed it.

He will always be loved and never forgotten!

July 18, 1940 – August 18, 2022

Born July 18, 1940. She passed away August 18, 2022 in Arvada, Colorado at Arbor View Skilled Nursing Home where she had resided since March 2021. She was 82 years old.

Beverly was born to Dorothy and Durward Van Bebber in Alton, Illinois. She was the second of four children. She married Samuel Gomez on June 24, 1956. They raised five children. They divorced in 2015. Beverly was a homemaker and received her GED in 1976. Beverly was a gifted seamstress and created many beautiful quilts. She was also an avid reader.

She is proceeded in death by her son Paul Gomez, her sister Dorothy Zeilbauer and her parents.

She is survived by her children Richard Gomez, H. Diane Mills (William), Robert Gomez (Lisa), Rodney Gomez and her brothers Durward and Walter VanBebber, and her grandchildren Jennifer, Richard, Matthew, Greg, Spencer, Margaret, Caroline, Nicole, Brandon, Casey, Kayla Stephanie, Jacob and her ex husband Samuel Gomez and seventeen great grandchildren.