Roger Max Gudenkauf

Roger Max Gudenkauf (79), of Denver Colorado, passed away on July 5th, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Roger was born on a farm in Corning, Kansas to Maurice & Lena (Boeding) Gudenkauf on November 30, 1943. 

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Donnie and Dick.

He attended St Patrick’s grade school and graduated from Corning High School in 1961. He served in the Air force from 1962 to 1965. While stationed in Denver at Lowry Air Force Base, in 1963, he met Shirley VanWoensel.  They dated while he was serving 17 months overseas in Turkey. Upon his return he made her his bride on August 21st of 1965.  They lived briefly in Wichita, KS before moving to St Joseph, MO where he worked first for Metropolitan Life and then for 3M Company.  During this time he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1974.  January of 1976, they moved to Colorado and started their own business, Mifax Denver.  This began his Entrepreneurship of numerous businesses including Mifax, Professional Controls and RMMI.  He retired the end of 2012.   

His life has always been busy, full of people and spent serving others. He was a loving, testing, teasing and trusted Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Friend.  

Roger touched thousands of lives, and the impact he had on each was PHENOMENAL – even more than Roger could ever realize.  The many years he spent coaching, always positive and teaching more than ball, but being a mentor for life skills.  A giving community member working thru many venues, N.A.G., CHWC, Westminster 7:10 Rotary to mention a few.  Roger has always enjoyed coaching and playing many sports with having played a final softball game last spring at the age of 78.  He and Shirley have enjoyed traveling, making many memories and going off the beaten path.  He always included Christ in all he did.

Roger is survived by his wife, Shirley (VanWoensel) Denver, CO, children Paul (Emma) Denver, CO, Michelle Denver, CO, Sheila Nun (Mot) Broomfield, CO, Trish Engelken (Chris) St Benedict, KS, Michael Broomfield, CO, Amy Cady (Steve) Elk Grove Village, IL and Mary Miller (Brett) Broomfield, CO; 19 grandchildren, Jeremy, Beth (Kyle), Matthew, Melanie, Christine, Zach, Dylan, Cole, Savannah, Ryan, Halle, Willow, Lilly, Raeley, Blake, Abby, Brynley, Gabriel and Olive, along with 4 Great Grandchildren.  Additional survivors include siblings Ken (Mary Lou) and Mary Ellen Rusche (Glen), sister-in-laws Carroll (Donnie) and Mary Kuetzer (Dick).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to N.A.G. (Neighborhood Action Group) at 9164 Marshall Place, Westminster CO 80031