DECEMBER 15,1949 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

John D. Unks, 74, of Castle Rock, Colorado passed into Heaven on a perfect Colorado day, September 5, 2024. After resolutely enduring cancer for three years, John passed peacefully surrounded by his beloved Wife and Daughters.

Born on December 15, 1949 in Lancaster, OH to Robert and Mary Unks. John was the third of five children. He spent most of his childhood in St Louis, MO where he graduated from Riverview Gardens High School in 1968 and went on to study Geology at the University of Missouri Rolla. In 1972, John married his soulmate, Kathleen Heidenreich. John and Kathi spent the early years of marriage in Odessa, Texas where John pursued his career in Geology via the Oil Fields of the Permian Basin. John and Kathi welcomed daughter Morgan Leigh in 1977 before moving north to Denver, Colorado. Where a second daughter, Leslie Ann was born in 1979.

Having found his permanent home in Colorado, John lived a fulfilling life with a healthy career at Lockheed Martin and enjoyed many adventures with his wife and daughters. Ever the dedicated athlete, John found a love for cycling in the 80’s which led him to many epic rides and races in the Rocky Mountains. John and his family spent much of their vacation time exploring Colorado, always with the Roadside Geology book at hand.

Elemental to John’s life was his love of dogs. Starting with his first dog Russ in 1971, John became known to his family as the “dog whisperer”. Over the years he trained 7 family dogs to include a Great Dane/Irish Setter, a Cocker Spaniel, three Labrador Retrievers, and a Bernedoodle. Also engrained in John’s legacy were his ever present shenanigans. From practical jokes, to countless costumes and wigs, John was always known for his humor and ability to make everyone laugh.

John will be remembered for his loyalty and devotion to family. John’s legacy lives on through his wife Kathi, his two daughters Morgan Unks and Leslie (Unks) Trumble (Husband Kenny Trumble and kids Derrick & Brooklyn Trumble), his brothers Steve (Luanne) and Paul, and his sister Sue.

A celebration of life service and reception will be hosted on Sunday, September 29th from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. We will gather at The Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park (1375 Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock, CO).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Animal Rescue Site at https://theanimalrescuesite.g…