Memorials › Donald Jerry Denker
Donald Jerry Denker
18 Nov 1932 – 3 Feb 2024
| Birth | 18 Nov 1932 |
| Death | 3 Feb 2024 |
| Cemetery | Highland Cemetery Fairfax , Gregory County , South Dakota , USA |
| Added by | WK on 05 Apr 2024 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/269137707 |
Bio
Funeral Services for Donald J. Denker Sr., age 91, of O'Neill will be at 10 am on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with Rev. John Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, South Dakota with military rites provided by the Fairfax American Legion Post #187. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 pm Prayer Service. Donald passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the Arbor Care Center in O'Neill. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Donald Jerry Denker was born on November 18, 1932 in Fairfax, South Dakota to Otto and Rose (Smolik) Denker. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1950. Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 17, 1953. He served in the infantry in Korea during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on March 8, 1955. Donald then returned to Fairfax and worked for the Fairfax Grain and Feed Elevator. Donald married Bette Lunn on November 28, 1957 in Fairfax. To this union, four children were born; Doug, Donald Jr., Kathy, and David. They made their home in Fairfax until 1964, when the family moved to Sioux Falls. There, Donald worked for a large Dairy, just outside of town. In 1970, the Denkers moved to O'Neill. Donald worked for P & P, which eventually became National Farms, and is now Christensen Farms. He retired in 1996. Sadly, he lost Bette on October 18, 1998, after a long battle with cancer. Donald loved to ride his motorcycle. After he turned 40, he joined the Retreads Motorcycle Club. He and Bette took many longer trips on their motorcycle, going to Sturgis many times, and even a trip all the way down the west coast. Donald liked to fish, go dancing, and heading down to the Golden Age Center to play pool and cards. In his final months in the nursing home, he looked forward to his weekly card games with Mary Lou Clark, Ramona Babl, and Caroline Clark Oberle. He was a pet lover and always enjoyed spending time at his farm with the dogs and cats. Donald was a member of the O'Neill Eagle's Club, the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93, and the UMVA Motorcycle Club. Donald is survived by his four children, Doug Denker of Atlanta, Georgia, Don (Joan) Denker of O'Neill, Kathy (Max) Magwire of Spencer, David (Debra) Denker of Rockford, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Beau (Erin) Denker, Sydney Denker, Lilly Magwire, Bailey Denker, Chloe Denker, Allen Denker, Tina Denker; six great grandchildren, Jewel Denker, Arya Denker, Eric Denker, Weston Keyes, Gage Keyes, Remy Magwire; special friend, Mary Lou Clark & her family; Bette's brother, Gene Lunn of Vermillion, South Dakota; many nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bette Denker in 1998; two grandchildren, Andrew Magwire, Elsie Magwire; his brothers, Allen Dale Denker, Bobby Denker; his sister, Delora Denker; and Bette's sister, Lynelle (Mike) Stahlecker.
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