We enjoyed many good times with John. Golfing, hiking, snowshoeing, dinners, happy hours and many good conversations. Libby worked with Rita in St. Louis and Dennis met John on a trip to Sedona in the mid nineties. Sedona was very special to John and Rita, and became one of our favorites, too. He loved the hiking there and was fascinated with the enchantment of the area.
We’ll miss John immensely. We send our thoughts and prayers to Rita, Susan and Johnny.
With love,
Dennis and Libby

We have known John and Rita most of our lives (Rita and Pat since first grade). Curt and John have bonded over craft beer, wine, tennis, golf and lots of conversations. After many years in St. Louis, we both moved to different states. We continued to visit each other in our respective homes or meet in fun cities to vacation. Our daughter, Katie, grew up loving her "fun Uncle John". We have so many memories of their times together.
We will miss John's humor, thoughtfulness, compassion and winning smile.
Our deepest sympathy to Rita, Susan and Johnny.
Rest in Peace dear friend, until we meet again.

I have known Uncle John my entire 31 years. He, aunt Rita and my parents were best friends. They did life together and I am thankful he was such a huge part of mine. From dinners, spending every Super Bowl together, throwing a squishy tomato ball at each other non stop for years, going to the Sweet 16 together and basically just showing up for everything... he was always there. My husband and I got to go on a hike with him about 4 years ago and he definitely out-hiked the both of us. My husband talked about how awesome Uncle John was and how impressed he was with him the entire trip back to Dallas.
I will miss “Unca John” greatly, but am forever grateful he was such a big part of my life.

-Diderz :)

Ravi and I had the privilege to be friends with Rita and John. Through several dinners and wine we got to know and love them. John's infectious laugh and great sense of humor made these get-togethers memorable.
He left us too soon and we want to convey our deepest sympathies
to Rita, Susan and John Jr.
Dear friend, rest in peace with the Lord; you will always be in our fondest memories.

It was surreal being at John’s funeral today. It is still not believable that he’s gone. We met Rita & John via Fort Collins Newcomers in 2011. We became fast friends over the years and had have dinner often. John and Don would also together together frequently.
John was a fully honest man and yet a complex man. We will miss him terribly. Rita, we are here for you. God Bless. Nancy & Don

News of John's passing was a sad and upsetting surprise.  I worked with John briefly during his tenure at Alliance Management Group.  He was the consummate professional in his field and set the bar high for all of us.  Razor sharp mind, well-trained physique, and a great love of the outdoors, particularly Colorado.  Although he was a reserved individual, we always knew that he loved Rita and their friendship was the anchor of his life outside of the business world.  My condolences to you all on your loss.  I will always remember the glimmer in that blue eye...

I first met John on a road trip after marrying his niece, Trish. We drove from Texas to New York and visited he & Rita in St. Louis. John loved to engage with people.  On our first day there in St Louis he wanted to know all about me. A very welcoming guy.  We hung out a lot during that short weekend and formed a great connection.

I enjoyed John's company at many family gatherings through the years. He was always interested on how life was unfolding for me and I would inquire into his life also. He was a wonderful human being, the world needs more like him.

My heart goes out to Rita, Susan and John Jr. You will all miss the husband, father and friend that he was. I'm sure he is experiencing freedom from the health issues that challenged him, and he misses you all as you  miss him. Love to you all.

My wife & met John & Rita on a recent vacation to the U.K. We immediately knew they were special people and besides exchanging e-mails, we exchanged visits to each other’s homes.
John had that special knack of pointing us to the best pub with the best happy hour and food. His amazing humor and fun loving spirit have left us but we are endeared with his memories.
Such as: we walked into a small pub in York, England after extensive shopping with the wives. The bartender asked John what would the ladies like to drink. John replied “Well, I don’t know, we just met them”. 
We had plans to visit with them again, but illness and injuries kept it from happening. 
To Rita and family:
We mingle sincerely our tears with yours. We are so blessed to have known John. He was so full of life and enjoyment!
With all our love,
Rick, Deena, & Derek Graham 

I met John and Rita through their daughter Susan. They were still living in St. Louis at the time. When we got together there was usually food and wine involved and lots of laughter. John was a kind, gentle soul who will be sorely missed. 



If I had to describe one of John’s passions, it would be that he loved the outdoors. He loved being in it. He loved looking at it. He loved traveling to see it. He enjoyed seeing things that “were bigger or more beautiful than could be described”. He once told me he spent much of his life exorcising so that he could be fit enough to do just that. John spent the last part of his life living where this was possible. Now he is in a position to make the greatest journey that man can travel, to see and do that which can’t be described. We will follow you John so we can talk again, and drink a beer, if they have it there!
Bill and Sandy

Met John and Rita through the Fort Collins Newcomers Club several years ago.   We remember having a lot of fun with both John and Rita at club wine tastings and gatherings.  What a wonderful man and great conversationalist!  Heartbreaking to hear this news.  John will be missed indeed.  Hugs to you, Rita.....Donna & Jud  

May all your wonderful memories help bring  you comfort.
John will be missed.     Gary and Mary LaMay

I have wonderful memories of skiing with John 
Actually,  my memories go back to the early 70s when I met John and Rita and their two lovely children at Saint Angela Merici Parish in Florissant.
Then over the years, again, 
many wonderful memories not only snow skiing but dinners together and of course racquetball.
So many, many happy times together!
Rest in peace my dear friend!
Fr Norb Ernst

As a member of the class of 1961 of Hazelwood High School, I will always remember that dry sense of humor and then the smile. John was truly a treasure and it is with a sad, heavy heart I send my condolences to you, Rita and your family,  

It was always good when ya’ll came to visit us in Texas.  So sorry for your loss, Rita....
Know that you are loved ❤️

I always loved my Uncle John very much.  I remember being at his Mom and Dad’s house when I was a kid and he would show up with all his good, positive energy.  He was always nice to me.  It was great because I was like 6 years old and he was 19...He was so “cool” ! 😎

I never got to hike with him, but sure loved sharing and hearing about our respective hiking adventures.  I admired the way he aged so well...I aspire to do the same. He was so fit and obviously had a spiritual connection with God, humanity and nature. 

Over the years, I enjoyed watching how much fun my Mom (his sister) and my Dad had when they were with uncle John and his wonderful wife, Aunt Rita.  I never saw my parents enjoy people as much as they enjoyed John and Rita....They joked and laughed, enjoyed good food and were always quite a dynamic foursome. 💕

I miss him and also feel sure that he is at peace now.  
God Bless him, Aunt Rita, Susan and John Jr



John always made me smile whenever I saw him. He was so nice. Rita & John, Don & myself spent so many happy times together just sharing the day and enjoying each others’ company.  
John was busy with his golf, tennis and hiking activities but always had time for his Rita.  He loved her so much.  His family meant so very much to John.  John was a great friend and I called him my “apple pie guy”!  We miss you dear friend,  Nancy

I was blessed to have John as my Godfather.  His love and support were matched only by his humor, energy and enthusiasm for life.  Always ready with a salient question about you,  John offered his wisdom and philosophy with generosity, friendship and a smile to warm any heart.  Peace, my Godfather...you are missed.

There is never a time I think about John without smiling. John had an infectious laugh and smiling face and twinkling eyes. I so enjoyed every time we were together with John. Charlie treasured John’s friendship and considered him one of his special friends. I always loved it when John would tell Charlie to tell “the German“ hello :-) I will always be blessed for having known John and sharing his friendship with Charlie. Now they are both together making heaven laugh :-)

We hiked, we golfed, we played tennis, we drank beer, and we solved many of the world's problems together.  Sometimes we even let Rita and Mary Beth join in the fun.  Always part of my life.   All our love, Rita.   Jerry and Mary Beth

I have great memories of hiking with John many times. We often would talk about life, religion and being spiritual as we hiked, same when we would have a beer together.  We golfed here and there as well. Great fun.  John was a great friend, a very intelligent guy and I miss him. Don

Heartfelt sympathy to Rita, Sue & John Jr. in your loss.
I worked for John from 1978-1996. John taught me many valuable skills in business that have carried me through my career successes today. For that I will always be grateful. 
I bought their 1960 dining room set in 1987 which is now my desk while working from home. 
Thoughts & prayers to the family. Rest in peace, John. 
Laura Aldridge, Alton IL

OBITUARY

John Richard Dorenkamper

10 February, 1943 – 25 July, 2020

Allnutt Funeral Service – Hunter Chapel

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