Verne L. Roenfeldt

Verne was born March 13, 1935 in Dodge City, Kansas to Rudolph Walter (R.W.) and Rosena (Dirks) Roenfeldt. Verne spent his youthful days alongside his older brother, Richard, helping out on the family wheat farm and raising and showing cattle for Ford County 4H. Verne graduated from Dodge City High School in 1953. After attending Dodge City Community College for a year, Verne decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1955. He spent four years serving his country as a cryptologic radio telegraph operator stationed mostly in Bremerhaven, Germany.

After his military service, Verne attended Weaver Airline School in Kansas City. This led to a long career in the airline industry as an operations agent starting with Bonanza Airlines in Apple Valley, California in 1960. A series of airline mergers took Verne to Yuma, Arizona to work for Hughes Airwest. Eventually, Verne landed in Denver, Colorado in 1979 where he continued to work in the industry for twenty more years. After 39 dedicated years of service, Verne retired from Northwest Airlines in 1999.

While in Yuma, Verne met the love of his life, Jean (Weuve) Roenfeldt. They married at Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma, on July 30, 1969. Soon after marriage, they welcomed their first child, Michael (Mike) in 1970 followed by Lisa in 1972. In 1979, the Roenfeldts moved to Aurora, Colorado where two more children were born; Steven in 1980 and the youngest, Lori, born in 1982.

In their free time, Verne and Jean enjoyed gardening, traveling, and dedicating themselves to their church, Holy Love Lutheran in Aurora, where they have been members since moving to Colorado. Perhaps, their greatest passion, however, was square dancing. Verne and Jean belonged to Grand Squares in Denver where they formed many lifelong friendships. As devoted square dancers, Verne and Jean often planned summer vacations around the National Square Dance Convention and other state square dance festivals throughout Colorado. Over the years, square dancing took them to a variety of places from Spokane, WA to Springfield, MA and everywhere in between.

Verne truly was a Renaissance man who had many passions in life. He was a dedicated lifelong learner who was always willing to start a new hobby. Throughout his life Verne loved reading about history and keeping up with current events. He enjoyed art and was an accomplished self-taught painter. He spent many days outside gardening, camping, hiking in nature, or just sitting and enjoying the sunshine. When he wasn't outside, Verne could be found inside working on a house project or two. Verne has truly left his mark on this world. His kind smile and genial attitude could warm any room while his knack for storytelling made family gatherings lively events.

Verne will always be remembered for his devotion to his family, his faith, and to his country. He will be missed.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents and older brother. Verne is survived by his loving wife of almost 53 years, Jean of Aurora, CO, his four children: Mike (Rene) Roenfeldt of Aurora, CO; Lisa (Craig) Coney of Castle Rock, CO; Steven (Kirsten) Roenfeldt of St.Cloud, MN; and Lori Roenfeldt of Aurora, CO; his nine grandchildren: Morgan, Kaelyn, Grayson, & Reagan Hoffman-Roenfeldt; Brenden, Marissa, & Dillen Coney; and Axel & Else Roenfeldt along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.

Bethany Lutheran Church

4500 E. Hampden Ave.

Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Denver Botanic Gardens (memo or Tribute: Verne Roenfeldt)

https://www.botanicgardens.org/join-give/donate

or

Habitat for Humanity - Holy Hammers

https://www.holyhammersdenver.com

Interment Service will be held on Monday, August 29th at 10:45 am at Fort Logan National Cemetery Staging Area "A".

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Roenfeldt family.