Daniel R Jarka

Major Daniel Richard Jarka, 68, of Monument, Colorado was called to serve as a warrior above surrounded by his immediate family after courageously battling cancer on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at Denver Hospice.

Dan was born in Illinois to Richard and Maryann Jarka (Hvorcik).

Dan lived a life full of adventure and stories that began on December 28, 1955. He attended the United States Air Force Academy, class of 1977. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1994. Dan traveled the world as he served in the USAF working as a Bombardier and Navigator. He then went on to a career as a financial advisor and planner.

Dan would often come home in his flight suit, sharing his most adventurous stories as he served in the USAF. The USAF would send him overseas, but he made sure to send weekly postcards to his family, all of which are still tucked in a box. He loved books and music. He would often drive around playing Blood On the tracks and talked about how prolific Bob Dylan is as a songwriter. He navigated countless road trips across the country, to ensure that his wife who hated flying would enjoy the adventure just as much as his children. Dan loved to garden and spent many hours planning and tending a garden that he diligently protected from the persistent deer that relentlessly sought out his vegetables. Dan was a fierce rugby player and had the battle scars to illustrate his wild stories as a tighthead prop. Dan was a beloved Papa to his grandchildren who adored him. He found countless hours of joy sitting with them and teaching them about history, sharing his coin collection, and playing chess. He was their loudest cheering voice as he supported them as they played sports. Most importantly, he encouraged them to stretch their minds, hearts, and ambitions- as he did in his own life.

Dan was preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, Pamela Jarka, and his parents, Richard Jarka and Maryann Jarka (Hvorcik).

He is survived by his loving wife, Tamara J. Jarka, his children, Jessica L. Jarka (Libby) of Berthoud, CO and James D. Jarka (Marisa) of Hurley, SD. Also, his step daughters Shelby L. Wales (Travis) of Springville, CA and Kylie M. Shepherd of Monument, CO. Also survived by his brother, Robert (Kathleen) of Lombard, IL and his grandchildren Cash P. Jarka and Waylon R. Jarka of Berthoud, CO, Audra L. Jarka of Hurley, SD, as well as, Gabriel Z. Church, Harper Q. Church of Springville, CA and Maze L. Shepherd of Monument, CO.

It is his family and friends who wish we all could have one more Colorado sunset, one more season in the garden, and one more toast of Bourbon (the good stuff that Dan collected and stored away for another day).

“Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?” Raise a glass of your best Bourbon to say a warrior named, Daniel Jarka has been called to take his last flight in the sky. He was a beloved father, grandfather and a teether for his family to this Earth. Fly high and rest well. We love you more than words can express.

A service celebrating a life well lived will be held on the Air Force Academy grounds, June 12, 2024 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Academy Cemetery. All friends and family are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution in Daniel’s name be made to the Men’s United State’s Air Force Academy Rugby team or Sarcoma Foundation of America.