Donald James Kilker

Don Kilker, 88 passed away on January 12, 2017. Don was born in Denver, Colorado on October 18, 1928. He grew up on Walnut Street north of downtown Denver. He had many great memories and lifetime friends from his time in the Sacred Heart Parish neighborhood. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1946 where he refined his love of athletics and where he was All Parochial in basketball. He volunteered and served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army where he served in the honor guard and was able to continue with his athletic passion participating in the Division's basketball team against various D1 schools in North Carolina and the Southeast. In 1952, he attended Regis College and began working for the Burlington Railroad where he enjoyed a 36 year career. He married Mickie Nichols in 1953 and they settled in their Sloans Lake home where they thrived in the diversity and vibrancy of their neighborhood for the past 64 years. Don had a passion for golf where he roamed the city's public links, especially at Willis Case and City Park golf courses. He was often at the center of organizing the games with friends that often were decided by his beloved bullseye putter. His passion for golf took him on many trips to California, Arizona, and the British Isles. He loved golf for the camaraderie with friends and family and the humility in pursuing something that can never be mastered. Don and his family enjoyed many memorable trips together from camping in the early years to exploring the United States and Canada by train. Don was a kind man who was often looking out for others and would often visit those in need of care, especially the sick and affirmed. In his brief stay at hospice, he left this world with that loving and caring attitude to those around him and to his caretakers. Survived by his wife, Mickie; sons, David (Katie) and Tom (Gayle); grandchildren, Claire, Michael, Ryan and Andrew. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Kilker; mother, Martha Kilker; brothers, Joe and Bob; and sister, Joan Kilker, SCL. Viewing will begin at 9 AM, with Recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 10 AM, all Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2905 Federal Boulevard, in Denver, Colorado 80211. Private Interment will be at a future date at Fort Logan National Cemetery, in Denver, Colorado, with honors rendered by the United States Army. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don's name to: St. Dominic Catholic Church Please share your memories of Don and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.