Obituaries: Dr. Michael Goldfogel, Kalman Zeppelin, Wes Mankoff, Marilyn Wolfson

Dr. Michael Goldfogel
Dr. Michael Goldfogel

Dr. Michael Goldfogel

Dr. Michael Goldfogel died on January 10, 2025, at the age of 74. A service was held on January 13 at Mt. Nebo Cemetery, officiated by Steve Goldstein. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

Born on June 4, 1950, Dr. Goldfogel attended GW High School, CU and the Northwestern School of Dentistry. He then built a long-standing dental practice, specializing in cosmetic dentistry.

In December, 1975, Dr. Goldfogel married Denise Katz. The two remained a couple until Dr. Goldfogel’s passing.

“He left an indelible mark on his field and developed numerous widely-used dental products and instruments, some of which are named after him,” his family said.

“He took immense pride in passing along his skills to dental students and hygienists, and dedicated his time to lecturing and teaching at top academic programs across the country and internationally.

“His reliability, unmatched intelligence, drive and generosity were among his countless admirable qualities.”

Survivors are Dr. Goldfogel’s wife Denise, children Ilana (Jonathan Nikravesh) Goldfogel and Brian (Jari Greenbaum) Goldfogel; grandchild Nava; and brother Jeffrey Goldfogel.

Kal Zeppelin
Kal Zeppelin

Kal Zeppelin

Denver native Kalman “Kal” Zeppelin died on January 11, 2025. He was 85. A service was held on January 14 at Temple Emanuel, with interment at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Cantor Elizabeth Sacks. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

Born on January 15, 1939, Mr. Zeppelin grew up on Denver’s West Side and attended Colfax Elementary, Lake Jr. High and North High School. He graduated from DU with a degree in accounting.

After college, Mr. Zeppelin was an entrepreneur, operating liquor stores and a restaurant, as a part owner in Beryl’s. He later became a realtor.

“He was very well read,” said Mr. Zeppelin’s brother, Howard. “He would send out daily emails about what he read that day.

“He was also very much into his Jewish religion.”

Survivors are Mr. Zeppelin’s wife Liz Marin Zeppelin; children Wendy (Michael Silverman) Berger, Jodi (Bryan Soderholm) Zeppelin and Stephen Zeppelin; step-daughter Jennifer Michelle (Brian VanBuren) Murphy; grandchildren Jason Berger, Max (Torie) Berger, Estella, Hunter and Boden Zeppelin, Gabi Elizabeth Murphy, Sophia Ann Murphy and Zach Edward Murphy; great-grandchildren Miles Denver Berger and Levi Daniel Murphy; and brother Howard (Sherrie) Zeppelin.

Contributions may be made to JFS or Temple Emanuel Shwayder Camp.

Wes Mankoff
Wes Mankoff

Wes Mankoff

Stanton Wesley “Wes” Mankoff passed away Jan. 13, 2025 at age 90.

A graveside service was held Jan. 15 at Fairmount Cemetery with Cantor Elizabeth Sacks officiating. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

Born on March 21, 1934, in McIntosh, SD, to Cecil and Ann Mankoff, Mr. Mankoff grew up on the West Side of Denver and attended Lake Junior High, North High School, and graduated with a business degree from DU.

Wes helped start and grow Manor Insurance Agency, now a four-generation business.

Affectionately known as “Papa,” Mr. Mankoff was a devoted family man who cherished his loved ones and his cars, especially his T-Birds.

Mr. Mankoff was married to Mary (née Lunnon) Mankoff until her death in 1997.

His family remembers him as “a truly remarkable man — smart, thoughtful, and endlessly caring. He had a calmness about him that brought peace to those around him and a sense of fun that made every moment brighter. He lived his life with integrity and generosity, always putting others before himself.

“Dad left us all with the best legacy there is — that of a good name.”

Survivors are children Connie (the late David) Suson, Terri (Mike) Striplin, Scott (Leslie Tuggle) Mankoff, and Gary (Ginger Wilson) Mankoff; grandchildrenRabbi Steven (Julia Vaillant) Suson, Jonathan (Kristin) Suson, Adrienne (Joe Moeller) Suson, Michael (Maggie) Mankoff, Matthew (Holly North) Mankoff and Mitchell Mankoff; great-grandchildren Mara, Daniel, Ella, Miles, Maddox, Max, Marli and Sydney; and sister Lenisse Goldberg.

He is also mourned by Margaret Kehoe.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Jewish Family Service.

Marilyn Wolfson
Marilyn Wolfson

Marilyn Wolfson

Denver native Marilyn Kaitz Wolfson passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 94. A service was held on December 31 at Temple Sinai, with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Rick Rheins. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.

Mrs. Wolfson, born on November 20, 1930, attended East High School and began work for the National Jewish Hospital. She later worked as a secretary for law firms and also became a stockbroker.

On September 13, 1979, Marilyn and Arthur Wolfson were married. They remained a couple until Mrs. Wolfson’s passing.

“They loved their travels abroad, the many trips to the mountains and time with friends,” Mrs. Wolfson’s family said.

“Marilyn was a class act through and through with phenomenal designer taste in clothes, home décor and works of art.”

© IJN 2025