Eugene ""Gene"" Douglas Wangerin

Eugene ""Gene"" Douglas Wangerin, age 74, of Arvada, Colorado, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Gene is survived by his loving wife, Sue, daughter Nikole and her husband Travis, son Marc, and his much beloved grandchildren, Solomon, Roman, and Maddy. He believed in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and had absolute confidence of his final destination. Gene was a very involved and dedicated member of Risen Christ Lutheran Church in addition to his avid outdoor interests in hunting, fishing, hiking and dirt bike riding. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time at his cabin, having friends visit, chopping wood, and taking the dogs for long walks. He also loved to garden and cook, canning and preserving his annual harvests. Paramount in Gene's life was his family, and he especially delighted in his three grandchildren. Gene was born in Superior, Wisconsin, to Eugene and Aune Elizabeth Wangerin. He spent most of his formative years in Montana, graduating from Great Falls High School, and then earning his bachelor's degree from Montana State University in Bozeman where he majored in architecture and engineering. After working for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company for 10 years as an accomplished architect, he was then hired as a highly recognized engineer with the General Services Administration where he worked until his retirement from federal service in May 2003. Gene was also a proud member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves, having achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. He retired from the USAF Reserves in 2000, with over 20 years of service to his country. A private burial service for the immediate family will be held at the Ft. Logan National Cemetery on Monday, March 9, 2015. The funeral service will be held at Risen Christ Lutheran Church, 14850 W. 72nd, Arvada, Colorado at 10:00 on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. A reception will follow at the Horan & McConaty funeral home, located at 7577 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. All are welcome to attend. Those wishing to remember Gene and honor his family may send flowers, or make a donation in Gene's memory to Risen Christ Lutheran Church. Please share your memories of Eugene and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.