Obituary of W. James von Tongeln

William James von Tongeln of Parker, Colorado passed away at his home on April 16, 2016. An informal Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 29, starting at 3 p.m. at Pradera Golf Club, 5225 Raintree Drive, Parker CO, 80134. Jim was born in Hastings, Nebraska on March 26, 1951 to Walter and Marjorie (nee James) von Tongeln. Jim spent his early years traveling the country as the son of an U.S. Army Major but eventually settled back in Nebraska, graduating from Westside High School in Omaha in 1969. While at Westside, he excelled in academics and sports, particularly football, which would serve to be his lifelong obsession. He also met his future wife, Maureen McDowelland developed many friendships that would last his lifetime. Jim and Rene eloped to Nebraska City, Nebraska and were married on April 3, 1973. They had recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Jim spent his first year of college at the United States Military Academy, West Point, where he was on the Dean’s List and played lacrosse. He completed his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Rene and Jim relocated to Denver, Colorado, where Jim worked for Stearns-Rogers, becoming a Professional Engineer. While stationed in Farmington, New Mexico as resident engineer on a large power plant, Rene gave birth to the couple’s first child, Gretchen. Jim continued his career as a Civil Engineer in Denver, including serving as Assistant Vice President for Henningson, Durham & Richardson, Inc. (HDR). It was during this time that Rene gave birth to their second child, Heidi. Jim continued to work as an engineer on various projects, at the same time obtaining a private pilot’s license. He was, however, first and foremost a devoted and loving husband and father, even strapping on ice skates to join his daughters in local ice shows. Eventually, Jim took an opportunity to broaden his knowledge of construction by serving as Vice President and Manager of the Construction Loan Administration department of First Interstate Bank (now Wells Fargo). In 1992, Jim embarked on his lifelong ambition of running his own business. On January 1, Jim opened the consulting firm RE Tech +, Inc. in Denver, where he served as President until his death. He stewarded the firm through almost 25 years, overseeing thousands of projects and successfully navigating two downturns, and built a reputation as a leader in the industry, not only in Colorado but nationwide. RE Tech+, Inc. remains a family business and its success is based not only on Jim’s integrity, experience and expertise, but also the hard work and dedication of its employees. Jim dedicated time to the Denver Dumb Friends League, the cause closest to his heart. Rene and Jim adopted several dogs over the years, and Jim also provided expertise for construction projects undertaken by the League. Jim’s passion for sports also remained throughout the years; he played and followed lacrosse, tennis and golf, and continued to obsess over the New York Yankees and his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. Jim also enjoyed music, including playing his guitars, reading, movies and quoting movies. He also took pleasure in his Bible study group. Jim’s relationships with his friends were very important to him and he enjoyed discussing any topic imaginable with them and anyone who would listen. Jim is survived by his wife Rene, his daughters Gretchen and Heidi of Los Angeles, and his sister Sue Milovicz of Baltimore, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of Jim’s favorite charities: the Denver Dumb Friends League and the American Heart Association.Charitable donations may be made to: Denver Dumb Friends League 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver CO 80231 Tel: 1-303-751-5772 Web: http://www.ddfl.org/memorial-or-tribute/ American Heart Association 1280 S. Parker Road, Denver CO 80231 Tel: 1-303-369-5499 Web: http://donatenow.heart.org/ Service Information