Paul Deen Koogle

Paul “Deen” Koogle was born on November 24, 1949 in Bethesda, Maryland to Paul and Dorothy (Deen) Koogle. Deen lived a vibrant life filled with adventure starting with his upbringing traveling the world via his father’s Navy service career. He lived in, and attended school in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and Japan before returning to Maryland. Deen graduated from Glen Burnie High School in Maryland in 1968. He went to the University of Maryland and, during that time, he worked several jobs including gas station attendant, bus driver, and veterinary technician. 

Deen married Monica Joda in 1976 and they had two children, Daniel and Laura. They made their home in Colorado where Deen played a pivotal role in establishing cable television service in the state. In 1993, he married Karla Krause Grooters. He then began working for the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Deen worked for RTD in several different capacities and retired in 2015 from his position as Head of Large Capital Assets. 

Whether driving cars, buying cars, fixing cars or even teaching teens to drive cars, nothing made him happier. If it had an engine, it was worthy of admiration. Deen had many passions, but aside from family, cars were his greatest joy. Nonetheless, boats also have engines and he loved those as well.

From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay to Lake McConaughy, Deen thrived on lakes, seas and oceans. His connection to nature was a powerful one, and it was never so strong as when he was piloting a boat on the water. 

Deen was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Dylan. His legacy lives on through his loving family: his wife, Karla and their children, Daniel (and Mariah), Laura, Jeff (and Kori), Jon, Jenn (and Brent), his grandchildren, Hana, Ella, Seth, Isla, Chloe, Nick and Tessa. He also leaves behind a sister, Debbie and her child, Kate (and Nate), as well as a grand nephew, James. All of Deen’s family and wonderful friends serve as enduring examples of his love, humor, and wisdom.

Deen was a remarkable man who loved what he loved fully and deeply. He was an incredible person to love and to be loved by and he will be profoundly missed. 

Family will have a Celebration of Life at Joy Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:00am

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in his memory to his favorite charities:  The Salvation Army ( https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn )  and Service Dogs for the Blind ( https://www.guidedogs.com/ ).

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