Gordon Lee Zapp of Arvada, CO passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at the age of 84 years. Born July 31, 1936 to Lillie and Leo Zapp, he was a wonderful, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, coach and friend. Gordon grew up in Wayne, Nebraska, graduated from Wayne High School where he excelled in football, baseball, track and basketball. But his #1 love was, and remained always, football. At Wayne State College, Gordon started every game for the Wildcats and as a senior was voted most Most Valuable Player by his teammates. He received his BA in 1958 and Masters degree in 1963 from Wayne State College. He was Head Football Coach at high schools in Carlisle, IA, Missouri Valley, IA and Wayne, NE. In 1963 Gordon became Head Football Coach at Dakota Weslyan University, Mitchell, SD, was named South Dakota College Coach of the Year in 1965 by the South Dakota Sports Writers Association and is a member of the DWU Football Hall of Fame. In 1968 Gordon became Head Football Coach at Western State College in Gunnison, CO. Gordon retired from coaching in 1971 and moved his family to Littleton, CO where he would spend the next 20 years in the life insurance industry, 10 of them as a corporate executive. In 1973 he became a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Sales Club. Gordon retired from insurance in 1991, but his love of football continued in retirement, as he coached the Lakewood, CO Police Force Football Team, scouted player personnel for NFL Boston Patriots (now New England) and from 1993 to 1995 was Offensive Coordinator for Colorado School of Mines. Gordon enjoyed membership in the SW Denver Kiwanis for many years. Gordon’s presence and love for his family and friends was larger than life. He will be missed, but never forgotten. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gloria, children Kelley (Case), Barbara (Dishmon) and Jill (Booth) , 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Gordon was preceeded in death by his parents Leo and Lillie. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Any memorials may be made to: Dakota Wesleyan University Football Program, 1200 W. University Avenue, Mitchell, SD 57301 Or Western Colorado University Football Program 1 Western Way Gunnison, CO 81231