John Studebaker

Ira John Studebaker, 85, passed away peacefully on April 29th, 2026. John was born on October 10th, 1940, in Iowa Falls, Iowa, to Ira and Regina Studebaker, the only son in a farming family.

John attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1963 with a degree in architecture. During his time in South Bend he developed a lifelong devotion to Notre Dame, but more importantly met the love of his life – Lynne Carol Ricca. They were married in 1965 and shared their lives for over 60years.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam. After returning home he and Lynne began building their family, first in northern California, and subsequently in Colorado where they made their permanent home. They had four children, all of whom followed in their father’s footsteps and graduated from Notre Dame.

John loved hands-on creative projects, especially homerehabilitation projects. He built his dream house atop a mountain overlooking Denver, completing nearly all of the construction himself.

He also loved all things Notre Dame. He generously gave his time and energy to the Notre Dame Club of Denver, often bringing an industrial-size barbeque and signage to games, send-offs, and parades. He served in nearly every leadership role for the club, and subsequently at the national club, including as Notre Dame National Alumni Club President. His favorite pastime was tailgating before home games, where he cherished time spent with his many Notre Dame friends.

Most of all he loved his wife and family. John was a devoted husband, brother, father and grandfather, He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynne Studebaker; his daughter, Patty of South Bend, Indiana; and his three sons: John of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Tom of Hingham, Massachusetts; and David of Littleton, Colorado; as well as his two sisters: Mary Alice of Atlanta, Georga and Jane of Salisbury, Maryland. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

We will be having an informal gathering on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in John’s honor at Edgewater Beer Garden at 2508 Gray St. for those who would like to stop by between 6-9pm

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on May 8th, 2026, at Christ on the Mountain Catholic Church, 13922 West Utah Ave, Lakewood.

.Private burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider gifts to either:

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 

The University of Notre Dame