Andrew Jay Deden-Verhoeff

With heavy hearts and full memories, we celebrate the life of Andrew Jay Deden-Verhoeff, who passed away far too soon on June 14, 2025, at the age of 26. Andrew was born on July 21, 1998, at Porter Hospital in Denver, Colorado, to Penny Marie Deden and James Lester Verhoeff. The beloved middle child, Andrew grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and his amazing family by his side.

From the beginning, Andrew was outgoing, joyful, and always ready for an adventure especially if it involved his family. He loved skateboarding, paintballing, fishing, camping, and most of all, playing computer games in his grandma Bobbie's basement when he would go visit. He was always a clever negotiator, he would bargain with his brothers for extra gaming time and even kept a spare controller on hand in case his mom tried to cut him off. Nothing could stop his playtime hustle.

He was a kid at heart who cherished the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and was always happy to play with other kids. When the Monopoly board was out, you could bet Andrew would be the first to call dibs on the car or the dog. Holidays were a magical time. He'd carefully count the presents under the tree to make sure he and his siblings had exactly the same number (and hopefully more toys than clothes—because clothes were boring!). One of Andrew's absolute favorite holidays was Halloween. Even though Andrew was 26 he loved dressing up and trick or treating with his cousins, niece, and god dad Uncle dollar.

His closest bond was with his cousin and best friend, Shania, whom he proudly called his sister. When she welcomed her daughter Gracie into the world, Andrew's heart grew even bigger. He loved spoiling his nieces and cousins with snacks, candy, and little gifts from the gas station. But make no mistake his snacks were sacred. Share the love, not the Flaming Hot Cheetos. Andrew was known for his sweet tooth and signature snack lineup: Takis, Hot Cheetos, Sprite, and anything sugary.

Though he became more shy with age, Andrew remained a loyal companion, always happy to tag along, whether it was a quick trip to the store or a spontaneous outing. He had a deep love for music, especially rap, and could often be found listening to Lil Boosie, MGK, and G-Eazy and making his own rap music. He was a fan of sports— especially the Colts and the Nuggets-and loved watching games with a cold Mike's Hard Lemonade tall boy in hand.

Andrew's heart was big. His loyalty was fierce. His presence brought fun, laughter, and love to every room he entered. Though his time with us was too short, his impact will be felt forever. He will be missed beyond words by his parents, his siblings, cousins, nieces, and all those lucky enough to call him family and friend.

Andrew is survived by his loving mother, Penny Deden; his father, Lester Verhoeff; and his stepmother, Elizabeth Valdez. He is also survived by his brothers, Allan and Jarred Deden; and his stepsisters, Consuela, Gina Gaitan, Jojo, and Shania Deden. Andrew leaves behind his cherished grandparents: Mike and Judy Deden, and James Verhoeff. He is also survived by his uncles, Jonathan and Jason Deden (and wife Amber); his aunt, Jenny Deden. His niece, Lillyanna, Azzurae, and Nyelah. His cousin's Aelissa, Ashley, Jaxon, Vivianna, Jayden, and his Great cousins, and many extended family members and close friends who love him dearly.

Andrew was preceded in death by his great-aunt, Kathy Ewing; his great-grandparents, Ollie and MaryAnn Deden; his great grandma, Mandy Ewing, and his Grandma's Bobbie Verhoeff, and Lilly Valdez; and his uncle, Joe Valdez and Michael Valdez.