Denise (Hales) Mundorf passed away April 14, 2026, with family and friends at her side.
She was born December 20, 1949, in Lincoln, NE, the daughter of Betty Jane (Kingery) Hales and Harvey James Hales, who preceded her in death.
Denise worked as an LPN. In 1991 she helped found the volunteer music therapy program at St. Elizabeth where she played her folk harp for oncology patients. She also volunteered with Heartland Hospice and played for patients in other hospitals. “Music reaches a person in ways words can’t. You’re being welcomed into private moments in peoples’ lives. It’s a privilege.”
Denise loved flowers and had an expansive garden. She had a special fondness for her heirloom roses and iris.
Her family became active with the Children’s Zoo in 1965, and Denise continued this involvement through support for new exhibits and animals for the enjoyment of the larger community.
Denise is survived by her husband, Ed Mundorf; her sister, Cherie Hales; and niece, Katya Hales.
Condolences and remembrances can be sent to Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery.
We are deeply grateful to the staff at Pemberly Memory Care, Hospice of Nebraska and Lymphatic Rehab for the kind and respectful care they provided.
Memorials can be made to the Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association HERE or the Lincoln Children’s Zoo HERE.
Rest in Peace Aunt Denice. You we’re a wonderful person to grow up knowing. Everyone that knew you were better for it. ❤️
I got to know Denise through her sister, who is one of my very closest friends. The main thing I remember about Denise is her sense of humor and her infectious laughter, which was likely to peal out even at moments that to some people might not have seemed funny at all–such as one time when she was attempting to get a canoe with a mind of its own to follow her direction :-) Her unflappability in that situation was an inspiration to me (as a person who is a bit more flappable than she was). I know how important she was to Cherie, and how important Cherie was to her. I’m sure she will be greatly missed by the many people who knew and loved her. Rest in peace, Denise. You lived a good life.