Ronald Fossett

Ronald Ray Fossett, devoted husband, father, friend, talented engineer, and artist, passed away unexpectedly on November 25, 2022. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and many, many friends who he considered family.

Ron was born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on May 28, 1940, the second son of James and Mary Fossett. Always in adventure and trouble with his brother and best friend Gary, Ron treasured his childhood filled with activities, hunting and fishing, raising bird dogs and rabbits, and participating in the Meadow Gold Dairy delivery route with his father, brother, and family. His work ethic from an early age seemed endless, and his love of nature and the outdoors followed him throughout life and the many passions and talents he shared.

Ever prepared, Ron took care of everyone in his life, most devoted to his wife Katie (Marla) of 59 years. After meeting at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisc., the two began an epic love story of faith and family. A man committed to country and respect for our military and service, Ron served four years in ROTC and traveled to Korea as a 1st Lieutenant with the Combat Engineers for two years, followed by six years in the reserves. He returned before the assassination of President Kennedy just in time for his wedding a few days later, and often referred to this as his sign of being “meant to be with Katie”. Ron and Katie married in November 1963 and began their lives and careers in Denver, Colo.

From childhood on, Ron excelled at several things: a vision for things planned and well-built, a commitment to people and inclusion, and creating a life filled with friendship and laughter. Starting as a civil/structural engineer with Ketchum and Konkel, his engineering and marketing career spanned 40 years. Together with his company Rocky Mountain Prestress and his partners, he built a skyline and city that defines Colorado today. With projects across the front range, Ron worked on iconic locations like Coors Field, Ball Arena, the Jefferson County Justice Center, and Denver International Airport. During the course of his career, the company thrived and expanded with acclaimed projects in Hawaii and Guam as well.

Ever the amazing host, Ron and Katie’s homes, backyards, and famous basements became to many a second home, where they truly felt welcomed like family. They began their own family with Erin (Tim Walsh), Kevin, and James (Jacquie), and a few years later, Amy (Tim Riley). Ron reveled being a part of their growth, education, and talents. Together, he and Katie truly embraced retirement and flourished in their roles as beloved and generous grandparents to Brady, Evan, Anna, Kaitlyn, Celia, Jenna, Kelsey, and Matthew. As a family, they shared many years of skiing, golf, fishing, and travel, especially to Winter Park, Colo., where their family condo served as the backdrop for countless cherished memories over the years.

Ron was committed to creating memorable holidays and celebrations, whether it was a steak or salmon perfectly grilled or passionately cheering on Marquette basketball and the Denver Broncos, Rockies and Nuggets. Often the leader in building communities and always the first to lend a helping hand, Ron passionately served as a youth sports coach, and as a volunteer at schools and the Archdiocese of Denver. As a devout Catholic and parishioner of Risen Christ Catholic Parish, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a eucharistic minister, and together with Katie, ran the Respect Life Program for schools and parishes in the Denver Metro area.

His family and friends feel his absence immensely and together, commit to continuing his many passions, his beautiful dedication to those he loved, his sarcastic sense of humor and jokes, and sharing stories of his wild adventures for years to come.

Services for Ron will be Friday, January 20, 2023, at Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver, Colo. A rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Respect Life Colorado and the Opus School of Engineering at Marquette University in Ron’s memory.

For those unable to attend services in person, a livestream will be available at http://www.risenchristchurch.org Once you reach the webpage, click on the red bar near the top that says “Livestream Mass and YouTube Channel" to be directed to Risen Christ's YouTube channel. It will be available 4-5 minutes prior to the 10am and will the first video listed.