“Zeke will be deeply missed by our faculty, staff and students. Zeke and his beloved wife, Kay, shared a passionate commitment to the University of Utah and gave generously of their time, enthusiasm and financial resources to support dozens of university programs — including Red Butte Garden, our gymnastics team, University of Utah Health and our campus art and cultural programs.

I will especially miss Zeke’s intellectual curiosity. Even toward the end of his life, he welcomed and wanted to hear new ideas from all areas of campus. He loved asking questions of everyone he met — faculty, staff and students alike. His enthusiasm and energy were unmatched. He and Kay were more than just philanthropists; they were partners in helping the university achieve its mission.

My condolences go out to his daughters Betsy, Claire and Andrea, his son Zeke III, and their families. On behalf of the entire University of Utah community I want to thank the Dumke family for sharing Zeke with us. We will miss him.”

— President Ruth V. Watkins