Delbert “Del” Denekas passed peacefully and with grace into Heaven, with family and friends surrounding him on July 24, 2024. Del bravely fought lung cancer for 11 months and was cancer free at his passing but suffered from multiple organ failure.
Del was born to Martin and Mary Alice (Browning) Denekas on May 30, 1945, in Story City, IA. He attended Jewell Schools, which became South Hamilton his senior year where he enjoyed playing sports, especially baseball and singing in choral groups. Del graduated in 1963 and attended North-West Missouri State and Jacksonville Colleges.
In 1967, Del enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the destroyer the U.S.S. Perry during the Vietnam War. He served until 1970 when injuries forced him to be medically retired.
Del married his favorite nurse, Judy Engstrom, on June 1, 1968, at South Marion United Methodist Church in rural Stratford, IA. To this union four children were born, Bret, Angela, Chrysten and Zachary.
Del and Judy lived in Jacksonville Beach, FL for seven years, then moved to Colorado where they lived from 1976-1983, before moving back to Iowa in 1983 to be closer to family. Upon retirement in 2007, Del and Judy moved to Taylorsville, NC to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In 2012, they returned to the Rocky Mountains and Loveland, CO.
In addition to other employment, Del worked at both the Colorado and Iowa Workforce Centers as a Veteran’s Benefits and Services Representative. In retirement, Del enjoyed golfing, fishing and traveling. Del and Judy have many good memories of traveling with friends and family to Alaska, England, Scotland and Ireland.
Del also worked as a crossing guard for five years in his retirement with the Thompson Valley School District and was a favorite amongst the students and parents. He enjoyed waving to everyone at his intersection at 37th and Duffield in Loveland.
Del was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Judy of 56 years; son Bret (Terri) Denekas of Unionville, TN, grandchildren Audrey, Caleb, Jasmine, Cole, Shawn, and Tia; Angela (Chris) Foster of Summerville, SC, grandchildren Danielle, Brooke, and Hailey and great grandchildren Ashton and Ava; daughter Chrysten of Bridgeport, WV; son Zachary of Athens, GA; and sister Carol (Don) Heide of Pomeroy, IA in addition to several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his beloved chihuahuas, Izzy and Myla.
Memorials in Del’s honor may be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church in Loveland, CO or Grace United Methodist Church in Story City, IA.
Celebration of Life services will be held for Del on Monday, November 25th at 10:00 AM at Trinity U.M.C. in Loveland, CO and on Wednesday, November 27th at 10:30 AM at Grace U.M.C. in Story City, IA.
I was honored to work with Dale when he was a Crossing Guard. He loved by so many. I enjoyed his visits to my office when he brought his time sheet in, we would have wonderful chats. Those were my favorite times, he was a genuine kind soul, whom I know was an angel in disguise! I was blessed to know Dale the 5 years he was a CG. My condolences to Judy and all of his family.
Love you buddy! Rest easy, we’ll have more time to talk Cyclones again someday.
Thank you, Cody, for all that you have done for our family! You have been such a blessing to my parents. As well as to all us kids. Thank you!
Angie Foster (oldest Denekas daughter)