Jerry Lee Koger

Jerry Lee Koger, 65, of Denver, Colorado, cast his final line on July 13th, 2025, slipping away peacefully with a tackle box full of memories, a heart full of love, and absolutely no acknowledgment that he’d ever been wrong — not even once.

Born in 1960, Jerry came into this world stubborn, opinionated, and handy as hell — traits that remained firmly intact for all 65 years. A contractor by trade and a magician with a toolbelt, Jerry could fix, build, or rig just about anything when he felt like it… which usually meant after a glass of tea and at least one argument about why your idea was wrong and how his way was the right way.

Jerry was an outdoorsman who believed the only thing better than a good fishing day with his grandkids was an even better fishing story. He loved camping in the middle of nowhere and had an uncanny ability to nap just about anywhere. Whether telling old stories about fast racecars and faster women, he always wore a mischievous grin that hinted at the next great adventure.

He is survived by his devoted children: Timothy Koger (Jennifer Koger), Brandon Koger, and his stepdaughter Kimberly Tangeman (Loren Tangeman), who inherited his stubborn streak and his ability to fix things with duct tape and determination. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Brittany Tangeman, Joshua Tangeman, Donovan Cormican, Quinn Castle, Bastian Koger, Jordan Koger who knew him as the grandpa with a story for every occasion, a tool for every problem, and an answer for every question — even if it wasn’t the right one.

Jerry is also survived by Alfred Koger (brother), John Koger (brother), Gloria Westervelt (sister), Teresa Koger (ex-wife), numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a few lifelong friends who still owe him racecar parts, tools, or both.

Jerry never lost an argument — mostly because he refused to stop talking until the other person gave up or walked away. He could bend time, space, and reality just enough to make himself right, even when the laws of physics suggested otherwise. Somehow, he always managed to "remember it differently," and nobody ever had the heart to call him out — at least not twice.

Jerry is preceded in death by Ruth Koger (wife), Earl Koger (father), Dorthy Koger (mother) Eddie Koger (brother), a few perfectly good fish he swears were this big, and several defeated power tools sacrificed to his talents.

A viewing will be held on July 22nd from 3:30-4:30 at Advantage Runyan Stevenson in the Slumber Room 6425 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood CO 80226. Attire is casual — Jerry would’ve hated a tie — and fishing stories, exaggerated or not, are highly encouraged. In lieu of flowers, go outside, drop a line in the water, argue about something trivial, and think of him.

Jerry always said, “Don’t worry about me — I’ll live forever.” And in a way, he will — through the stories, the stubbornness, and the love he left behind.

Tight lines, Dad. We’ll miss your hands, your heart, and your hilarious version of the truth.