Joseph Defez
Longtime Denver resident Joseph Defez passed away on June 20, 2026, at the age of 91. A service was held on June 22 at Mt. Nebo Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Sarah Shulman. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
A native of New York City, Mr. Defez was born on December 12, 1934. He attended City College in New York and took over the family photo finishing business from his father. Mr. Defez sold the store in the early 1980s, and worked for Photo Fast in Denver until his retirement 25 years ago.
Mr. Defez was an avid professional photographer.
He was a core member of the Rodef Shalom minyan for many decades, both on Shabbos and Sunday mornings. He transferred to HEA five years ago.
“While Joe never married or had children, he was a very special part of our family,” his family said, “a loyal brother to his brother Jack Defez, and was an uncle, great uncle and great-great uncle.”
Survivors are Mr. Defez’s brother Jack; nieces and nephews Lauren (Tracy) Defez, Tamar Morgan and Jonathan (Nancy Weinstock) Defez; and many great-nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to Israel Free Loan Assn.
Marianne Shajiei
Marianne Shajiei died on June 9, 2026. She was 85. A service was held on June 11 at Golden Hill Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
A native of Cerna Voda, Czechoslovakia, and born in 1941, Mrs. Shajiei grew up in Fulda, Germany, and emigrated to the US in 1962.
She was a seamstress and an artist.
“She was special in that she was full of love,” her family said.
Survivors are Mrs. Shajiei’s daughter Judith (Randy Kotel) Zednik; sisters Hertha Harrison and Hanni Koetting; and grandchildren Johanna (John) Toman, Jacob Morgan and Jonah Morgan; and four great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to JNF.
Kenneth Knaster
Denver native Kenneth Howard Knaster passed away on July 6, 2026, at the age of 74. A service was held on July 9 at Rose Hill Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Sarah Shulman. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born on March 16, 1952, Mr. Knaster graduated from George Washington High School in 1970 and attended Southern Colorado State College (now CSU Pueblo).
He was a computer programmer and quality assurance engineer for Apple, Inc. He also worked in electronics for imaging at Becton-Dickinson.
Mr. Knaster was a freelance photographer in Colorado and California.
“He was skilled at his jobs and he enjoyed all the different kinds of work he did throughout his life,” his family said. “After he discovered computers, he found a new love working with them, especially database software.
“He spent many days learning and working with his computer at home, and he turned this knowledge and enthusiasm into a new career.
“Kenny loved cars,” his family said. “He marked out the years of his life according to the many cars he owned and drove. He loved to drive just for the fun of it, sometimes driving hundreds of miles, having dinner, then heading back home.
“Kenny was a lifelong fan of rock and roll music. He especially loved the Beatles, the Beach Boys and Neil Young. He played in several bands throughout his early life.”
Survivors are Mr. Knaster’s brother Scott (Barbara) Knaster; nephew Jess (Linzy); niece Devi and many cousins.
© IJN 2026
