Janice "Jan" Marie (Denker) Jiricek

Janice (Jan) Marie Denker Jiricek of Greeley, Colorado, passed away on July 28, 2026, at the age of 86. She was born on June 29, 1940, south of Wagner in South Dakota to Edward Carl Denker and Hazel Blanch (Dunsmore) Denker. Janice attended Wagner High School in Wagner, South Dakota and graduated in 1958.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Robert ‘Luke’ Jiricek, who passed away on June 21, 2015. They were married on January 13, 1961 (married for 54 years). Jan and Luke are survived by their four children: Wendy Jiricek, Trevor (and Lindsay) Jiricek, Jason Jiricek and Jeremy (and Bethel) Jiricek, including 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Jan received an Associates Degree from Aims Community College. She worked at Monfort, following her earlier career at Bonnell. Dedicated to providing for her family, she often worked two jobs at once, spending her days at work and her nights weighing trucks at the Sugar Beet Factory. Her strong work ethic was matched by her generous heart. Over the years, she also worked at the dog track and Kmart, always willing to do whatever was needed to support those she loved.

Beyond her own jobs, she faithfully helped her children with their paper routes and even assisted with tax preparation. Around the age of retirement, Jan became a devoted caregiver for her adult son following a devastating accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. She cared for him with patience, compassion and devotion. Her kindness and selflessness will never be forgotten. Following her career, she continued to serve others by volunteering at the Bargain Box, where she found joy in giving back to her community and spending time with friends.

Janice will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was fiercely devoted to her family and always put the needs of her children first. She found joy in gardening, thrift shopping, reading and her frequent trips to South Dakota. She also loved sightseeing adventures and long car rides. Her love, loyalty and caring heart will be remembered always.

Family and friends are invited to attend an open house - Celebration of Life - at the Jiricek residence, 2301 59th Avenue Court, Greeley CO on August 8, 2026 from 1-4pm.

The official funeral service will be held in Denver at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 West Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO 80236 on August 13, 2026 at 10:30 am.