Rene Pamela Koller

1964 - 2024

Rene Pamela Koller passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, following a difficult battle with cancer. She passed at her residence in Arvada, Colorado, surrounded by friends and went home to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ.
Rene was born on January 12, 1964, to Orin R. and Christa H. (Muhlmeister) Gilchrist in Arvada, Colorado. She was a lifelong resident of Arvada and a 1982 graduate of Arvada High School. Rene went on to attend the Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she received a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics, and subsequently attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor in 1989. Rene practiced Family Law in Colorado her entire career, with a particular passion for adoptions and elder law. She was a well-respected member of the Colorado legal community, leaving behind a legacy of many friends.
Rene had many talents. In high school, she played the flute, ran track, and swam. Later, she became an accomplished pilot and even flew jet aircraft. She loved being outdoors-skiing, running marathons, climbing 14ers, backpacking, and rock climbing. At home, you would often find Rene in the kitchen creating a gourmet meal for a dinner party she was hosting, and if you were lucky, you were invited to join in the festivities. She really could have been a chef!
Rene was preceded in death by her grandmother, Else Muhlmeister, in 1992, and her father, Orin Gilchrist, in 1996. She is survived by her mother, Chris Gilchrist, and brother, Bryon Gilchrist, as well as her extended family in the United States and Germany. Also left to celebrate her life are special friend, Robert Camp, and her "adopted kids", Robert, Ryan, and Aaron Camp, and the Camp family at large; Rene's best friend, Julie Peter, and the Peter family; as well as her former husband, Mark Koller, and his wife, Brendalee Koller, and the Koller family. Also, her dear friends Ed and Maro Dimmer, who helped care for Rene in her final days, as well as long-time friends Beckie Monie and the Monie family, Renee Hamilton, and Creigh Kelley. Rene was a powerful and caring presence in our lives, one who will be deeply missed for all our days.
A website has been set up in Rene's honor, where you can find details about her upcoming Celebration of Life service. This celebration is scheduled for Saturday, November 1st, at 11 am, at Valor Church, 5592 Independence Street, Arvada, CO 80002. In addition, we encourage you to add your own tribute, post a story, and share pictures about Rene: rene-koller.forevermissed.com. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or the Foothills Animal Shelter at foothillsanimalshelter.org.