Georgene Lee Brnak, 89, of Keenesburg, CO passed away on July 25, 2025. She was born on December 10, 1935 to Russell and Olivia Gurtler in Denver, CO. With her parents and four siblings, Georgene moved to the farm in Hudson, CO in the fifth grade. She lived the rest of her life in Hudson and then Keenesburg spanning 80 years.
Georgene was know for her vibrant spirit and her generous nature. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, she brought laughter, love, lessons, and joy into the lives of those around her.
Georgene attended Keenesburg Elementary and High School where she was liked by all classmates, loved
cheerleading, and earned the nickname “Gurt”. After graduation she worked for the telephone company first in Keenesburg and then in Fort Lupton before she married.
Georgene married James Brnak whom she met when she was nine years old. They were classmates, then dated, got engaged and then married on April 7th, 1956 in Pensacola, FL. James was a naval aviation cadet, and Georgene continued her work with the telephone company. She was a devoted and supportive wife to James, standing beside him through every season of life with love, patience, and partnership. Together they built a life grounded in faith and filled with love, laughter and purpose. As a mother, Georgene was our foundation and our guide. She nurtured her children with wisdom, always encouraging
them to reach higher, believe in themselves, and live with integrity. She challenged them to be their best and loved them unconditionally through it all.
Georgene also deeply loved her community. She gave her time, her gifts, and her heart to those around her, offering support, kindness, and connection wherever she could. Her door was always open and her heart even more so. Georgene is survived by her husband of 69 years, James Brnak; daughter, Elizabeth (Cody) Diekroeger; son, Joe (Tammy) Brnak; son, Jeffrey (Kathy) Brnak; grandchildren, Adam (Erin) Brnak, Gina Yanowich, Jared (Emma) Brnak, Ashley Brnak, Anna (Blake) Sherman; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Drucilla Housand (age 104).
To celebrate Georgene’s life a Recitation of the Rosary and a Mass was held at Sacred Heart Church in Roggen Colorado on August 4th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be may to Holy Family Catholic Church in Keenesburg.
In Memoriam: Georgene Lee Brnak
