William Eugene Giesenhagen

William Eugene “Bill” Giesenhagen, 92, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Vi at Highlands Ranch Care Center following complications with kidney failure and Parkinson’s disease.

Mr. Giesenhagen was born on September 16, 1933, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to William and Olive (Johnson) Giesenhagen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Peggy Ann Marquardt, of Doniphan, Nebraska; and his brother, Robert William Giesenhagen of Grand Island, Nebraska.

He is survived by his wife, Maggie; two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad and Laurie Giesenhagen of San Dimas, California, and Mark and Mary Giesenhagen of Fort Collins, Colorado; and his sister-in-law, Sandy Giesenhagen, of Hickory, North Carolina.

Additional survivors include his grandchildren, Erin (Paul) Swickard of Pomona, California; Michael (Nicole) Giesenhagen of Hutchinson, Minnesota; Ann Giesenhagen (Sander Malmquist) of Longmont, Colorado; Catherine Giesenhagen of San Diego, California; Erica Giesenhagen of Fort Collins, Colorado; Julia Giesenhagen of Fort Collins, Colorado. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Ethan Swickard of Pomona, California, and Grace and Maya Giesenhagen of Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Bill grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1951. He attended the University of Nebraska, where he studied architecture, and earned his architectural license in 1954. He began his career with Cleveland Lumber Company, and in 1955, moved to Colorado Springs to work for Collier Lumber Company.

In 1961, Bill obtained his contractor’s license and founded Highland Construction. His work was remarkably diverse and included the construction of several schools, including Ute Pass Elementary School in Chipita Park; churches such as St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, and St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church in Security, Colorado; cleared ski runs in Breckenridge; poured concrete flooring in the NORAD complex; repairing the roof of the Air Force Academy Chapel; and sealing leaks in a dam in Montana.

In 1970 Bill moved to Kansas City, where he worked as a contractor on projects for Kansas City Life Insurance Company. He returned to Denver in 1973, purchased Hallcraft Homes, and completed several residential developments in the Denver area. During the late 1970s, he Ski Western, a western-wear store in Breckenridge, and later opened The West in Keystone.

In the 1980s, Bill launched Mid-Mountain Construction and Sunridge Realty, overseeing the development of homes in East Watch, townhomes at Villa West, and numerous other projects. He eventually retired from construction and real estate, operating under the company name Landesco.

Bill married Peggy Marquardt in June 1955, and together welcomed two sons, Brad and Mark. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1969. Peggy preceded him in death in 1977.

In 1970, Bill began a loving relationship with Maggie Martin, and the couple married in April of 1985. They shared more than four decades of marriage, travel, and companionship.

Construction remained Bill’s professional passion throughout his life. He was a member of the Association of General Contractors and an active member of The Broadmoor Golf Club while living in Colorado Springs and Denver Country Club while residing in Denver. He was an avid Denver Bronco fan and a long-time member and supporter of the National Western Stock Show. He also attended Plum Creek Chapel in Sedalia.

In retirement, Bill discovered a new passion for painting through the encouragement, instruction, and support of his artist friends D.E. Willis and John Manson. He became a prolific creator of watercolor and oil paintings.

Bill also enjoyed traveling with Maggie to golf events, where she served as a championship administrator for the United States Golf Association. Together, they shared a love or Southwestern art and Native American artifacts, collecting and displaying them throughout their home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, the National Kidney Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A Memorial Service will be held at Olinger Chapel Hill Memorial & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd., Centennial, CO 80121, on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Reception at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.