Warren Dale Steffen

Warren Steffen, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away following a massive stroke on June 20, 2025 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He was born in Denver to Arthur and Arlene Steffen on December 7, 1933.

Warren was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jeraldine, and by his siblings Delores, Arthur, and Gary. He is survived by his children: Jesse Guess and his wife Deborah; Nicolle Steffen; and Justin Steffen and his wife Virginia, along with their children, Gillian and Owen. He is also survived by his brother Phillip, his niece Lisa Ursetta and her husband Tony, Susan Broncucia, as well as two great-nieces and a great-nephew, Alexa, Zena, and Teo.

Warren attended Edison Elementary, Lake Junior High, and North High School, growing up in North Denver during a time of great freedom and exploration. He spent childhood days riding streetcars, catching dime matinees, and roaming the neighborhood with his siblings, Delores and Arthur.

His life reflected the spirit of mid-century Denver. He began working early, delivering newspapers and later driving produce trucks at Denargo Market—then a hub of commerce and rail traffic. In his twenties, Warren entered the aerospace industry, contributing to landmark projects at Lockheed Martin, Sundstrand, and Beechcraft, including rocket testing and NASA oxygen systems.

He later joined General Electric’s emerging industrial computing division, working on massive systems for banks and telecoms. He was a software engineer and systems administrator, known as “The Guru” because of his innate ability to solve problems.

Outside of work, Warren found joy in the outdoors and had a lifelong passion for speed. He raced cars in his youth, co-founding the Denver Strippers drag racing club, and always kept a dragster in the garage. In his forties, he took up whitewater rafting, running rivers across the American West—including three trips through the Grand Canyon, the last at age 80.

Warren also enjoyed quiet pursuits: restoring a Victorian home, year-round gardening, music, genealogy, and walking. His native plant garden was a sanctuary for butterflies, hummingbirds, and visitors alike.

At his heart, Warren was a devoted family man who cherished time with loved ones. He especially enjoyed holidays, surrounded by family, favorite foods, and—most importantly—rhubarb pie.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and his dog, Stieglitz.

 A Celebration of Life service will be held 11am, Friday, July 11, 2025, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home Chapel, 7577 W. 80th Avenue in Arvada. A reception gathering will follow, also at Horan & McConaty.

Please visit horancares.com to share personal memories and condolences with the Steffen Family.