Austin James Plagge

With profound sadness, we are sharing the news of the unexpected passing of Austin James Plagge, 32, of Denver, Colorado. Born in Davenport, Iowa on September 18, 1992, and raised in the North Scott area, Austin grew up excelling in anything he put his mind to, whether it was academically, artistically, or through the many athletic teams he was involved in such as baseball and basketball.

With his quick wit and humor, you could seldom be in Austin’s presence without sharing a laugh. He was wise beyond his years, having a unique ability to say something with deep meaning, in a lighthearted, sarcastic tone, all while staying true to his message. He was eager to provide comfort and encouragement, always inspiring others towards their goals and aspirations by offering a positive perspective to any situation. You could always count on Austin to greet you with the biggest smile and hug.

He was continually looking for ways he could make an impact, working in roles focused on building relationships, self-development, growth, and healing. In May 2022, Austin received his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from The University of Colorado Denver Business School. There, he became President of CU Denver’s chapter of the Auraria Recovery Community (ARC) where he helped build a community of support for others in their recovery journey. He went on to achieve his Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder – Leeds School of Business, in May 2024. His mission was to someday create his own treatment center or recovery organization focused on inclusion toward the LGBTQ+ community. 

Austin loved life in Colorado and felt the most at peace in the mountains. He loved traveling and sightseeing with friends, especially with his beloved dog, Raku. He had a vast array of hobbies and interests including hiking, recreation softball, yoga and meditation, practicing mindfulness techniques, creating artwork and colorful illustrations, and sharing music, song lyrics and inspirational messages with friends and family. If you knew Austin, everything he was involved in was sure to be “majestic.” 

In addition to his loyal companion, Raku, Austin leaves behind his loving parents Lance & Julie Plagge of Bettendorf, IA; two sisters Jill (Brad) Kent of DeWitt, IA and Jennifer (Zach) Phelps of Tipton, IA; two brothers Jared Plagge of Bettendorf, IA, and Tyler (Tayler) Plagge of Princeton, IA; nieces and nephews Brianna, Brooke, Blake, Owen, Sawyer, Aubrey, Colton, Ava and Ashton; great-nephew Bennett; grandparents Harlan (Diane Kluth) Truelson of Rochester, MN and Sharon Mileham of Sheffield, IA; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his cousin, McClain Bohach; and grandparents Dallas & Carla Plagge and Homer Mileham.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Austin’s friends who were more like family in Colorado, specifically those at Mile High Sober Living and Auraria Recovery Community, for their many years of support and encouragement. 

Austin’s visitation was held Friday, September 27 at Runge Mortuary & Crematory in Davenport, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will take place in Colorado at a later date.