Harold Gutjahr passed away on April 1, 2026. He would have been the first to tell you that he had lived a wonderful life. He was proud to say that he had been fortunate enough to live the American Dream.

Born on March 24, 1930, Harold grew up on a farm near Aberdeen, South Dakota during American’s Great Depression. He and his parents moved to Denver, Colorado in 1949, as his parents wished him to be in a city where he could further his education. Further it he did. Working various jobs during the day, he put himself through college at Denver University first as an accounting major before moving on to obtain an MBA degree and CPA certification. He was a lifelong DU Pioneer and spent decades supporting the school as one of its most devoted alumni.

After serving in the army during the Korean War, he returned to Denver and soon joined an oil company where, in its different incarnations, he would spend his entire career, first as an accountant and eventually as senior vice president of finance.

Upon retiring, he traveled extensively with his wife of sixty-eight years, Ilene. He was a man of endless curiosities, and together they embarked upon over thirty cruises and other excursions to explore the world. He was at his happiest when learning new things and seeing new sights. He is survived by his daughter Karen, his son Paul and his wife Cathy, his grandsons Isaac and Jeremiah, and their wives Mina and Joely, and his great granddaughter, Eveline. A private family service will be held at Fort Logan cemetery.