Denise Lynne Mansfield

Denise Lynne Mansfield was born on May 19, 1960, to Marie and Bruce Mansfield in Biloxi, Mississippi. As a “military brat,” she spent her early years living in several different places, finishing high school in Bremerhaven, Germany. She tragically lost her father during the Vietnam War in 1966, and gained a stepfather, Will Tammen, two years later. In 1978, Denise followed her brother Bob by enrolling at the University of Texas in Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. True to her field of study, she devoted herself to living an examined and purposeful life. While at UT, she lived in the Ark and Royal co-ops, where she cultivated many lifelong friendships, including that of her future husband, Donald Kokas. Denise and Donald married on Valentine’s Day in 1982, continuing a love story that lasted 45 years, until her passing. After college, Denise explored several types of jobs, including working as a baker at Upper Crust Bakery, a product manager at Wheatsville Food Coop, growing sprouts, and as owner and operator of Muckraker’s Cleaning Service. She earned a paralegal certificate at Texas State University, working most of her professional career in the Law Department at the City of Austin until her retirement in 2021. Denise had a extraordinary gift for friendship, with a loving nature, generosity of spirit, and childlike curiosity that drew people to her. She had an innate interest in others and nurtured deep, lasting connections. She was fun, smart, strong willed, thoughtful, bold, curious, and engaging. Denise delighted in music, opera, ballet, Shakespeare, and celebrations of all kinds, especially Halloween, her favorite holiday. Denise adored coming up with creative and often themed costumes, frequently coordinated with Donald’s. Music always played in her home. She loved a well-set table and threw large dinner parties using all the good china, crystal, silver, and special accouterments. Denise had an affinity for nature and plants, and with Donald, created a cottage garden over their entire Hyde Park yard that is recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. She kept an outdoor koi pond for many years, maintained large tropical fish tanks over three decades, and fed the birds that visited her yard. Throughout her life, Denise supported causes close to her heart, including women’s rights, the arts, and conservation efforts. She was a voracious reader, a Santa-Claus-Easter-Bunny Christian, and a Yellow Dog Democrat. Denise cherished her relationships with her five nephews—Bill, Bradley, Mark, Nick, and Strider—providing them with both material and emotional support. Recently, she took great joy in building a close bond with her great-niece Eowyn, whom she adored. Together with Donald, she loved and gave a home to six large dogs (four rescues) over the years—Lady, Loki, Oberon, Athena, Charlemagne, and Logan. On the afternoon of January 18, 2025, Denise died from liver failure, surrounded by her husband Donald, nephew Strider, and close friend Louanne. In the morning hours before her passing, nearly every family member spoke to Denise by phone thanks to Donald’s thoughtful efforts. Denise is survived by her devoted husband, Donald Kokas; her mother, Marie Tammen; brother Bob Mansfield and his wife Nancy; sisters April Tammen and Chelle Quinn; sisters- and brothers-in-law Patti and Charles Phoenix, Doug Kokas, and Dennis Kokas; nephews Bill and Bradley Vehrs, Mark and Nick Phoenix, and Strider Johnson and his wife Amber Lively; her beloved great niece Eowyn Johnson; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father Bruce Mansfield, stepfather Will Tammen, and half-brother Mark Tammen. Following Denise’s wishes, she was cremated after donating skin, bones, tissues, and eyes that medical personnel estimated could benefit up to 100 people. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to Planned Parenthood, Bat Conservation International, KOOP Radio, or the Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue. Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Denise’s life in the spring. Denise will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her deep compassion, and her unwavering commitment to the people and causes she loved.

Denise Lynne Mansfield

May 19, 1960 - January 18, 2025