Mary Kay Katherine Lussenhop

Mary “Kay” Lussenhop, 94, passed into heaven peacefully on August 11, 2023, with her loving family by her side. She was born February 27, 1929 in Denver, CO to Dorothy and Earl Carpenter, who lived in Lakewood, Colorado, where she was raised in a rural setting with chickens and horses. Kay (‘47) and her brother Bill (‘49) both graduated from Lakewood High School.

Kay attended Colorado A&M in Fort Collins, CO where she was active on campus, joining Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and crowned Homecoming Queen in 1948. Kay met the handsome President of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, John Lussenhop, and their love story began. Kay transferred to Denver University in 1949, serving as May Day Queen her Senior Year and graduating with a business-related degree in 1951.

John enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1946 and Kay and John were married December 15, 1951 in Quantico, VA. When John left for the Korean War, Kay moved back to Denver, CO with their first child, John (Johnny), born in 1952. John returned from the Korean War and they had two more children, Gail, born in Denver in 1955, and Kirk, born in Loveland in 1958.

As long-time residents of Loveland, CO, John & Kay were active in the community and loved sports of all kinds. They were frequently seen in the stands at Colorado State University and Loveland High School athletic events. Kay was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, an enthusiastic volunteer (PEO, Philo, McKee Medical Center) and an excellent homemaker/hostess, seamstress, caregiver and friend. Kay was kind and compassionate, a “social butterfly” with an incredible sense of humor, which resulted in many life-long friendships.

The love of Kay's life was her husband and family. Her beloved husband John preceded her in death on April 7, 2010. She is survived by her son John (Sue) Lussenhop of Loveland, daughter Gail (Greg) Horstman of Denver, son Kirk (Barb) Lussenhop of Windsor. 10 grandchildren: Jay (Monique) Lussenhop, Troy (Lacy) Lussenhop, Trent (Taylor) Lussenhop, Lindsay (Raan) Parton, Peter (Jenna) Horstman, Jovi (Karl) Tarango, Cole (Courtney) Lussenhop, Coryn, Shane and Mason Reichenau. 15 great grandchildren: Brody and Declan Lussenhop, Saydee, Lacy, Hutton and Oakley Lussenhop, Maxson Scott, Maasden, Merris and Daely Parton, Davis Horstman, Ella, Carson and Jaxson Tarango and Callen Lussenhop. She is also survived by her niece Terri McKee.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 8th at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, 533 Grant Ave., Loveland, Colorado 80537. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donation be made to Ensight, 1101 Oakridge Dr., Suite C, Ft. Collins, CO 80525, or CSU Ram Club Development Office, 101 McGraw Athletic Center, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, memo line “Athletics - Kay Lussenhop”.