Stephan Kokayko

Steve, 88, passed away September 16, 2013. Beloved friend and father figure to Tracy Cooke; and brother of Peggy Ruderman and Elizabeth Hassler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, long time friend and companion, Patricia Allen, and brother, John Kokayko. Steve was a World War II Veteran, serving honorably as a B-17 tail-gunner with the 748th Squadron of the 457th Bomb Group of the U.S. Army Air Force in the European, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland Air Offensives. Steve was awarded in the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle East Service Medal, and the Air Medal of the 1st Bomber Division with three Oak Leaf Clusters. After the war, Steve spent a distinguished career at the U.S. Federal Center in Lakewood, CO, rising to the position of Senior Cartographer and Cartographic Manager. He loved bowling, Big Band music, and dancing at the Lowry Officer's Club. Steve was loved and admired by friends and family alike for his gentle and loving ways, and he will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 5-8 PM. Funeral Service will be Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 11:30 AM, both at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora (at Parker Road). Military committal service to follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 1:00 PM, Staging Area A. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, Ohio 45290-0301 Please share your memories of Steve and condolences with his family and friends by signing the guestbook.