Kenneth Dean Denker

Kenny Denker
Kenneth Dean Denker was born November 24, 1932, in Enders, Nebraska, to Edward F. and Dora S. (Nordhausen) Denker. He departed this life and entered his heavenly home on June 29, 2014. Ken was 81 years of age.
Ken attended parochial school on the South Divide, and then went to Wauneta High School where he graduated in 1950. Ken married Cleophia E. Lane on February 15, 1953, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Wauneta. Ken and Cleo’s first home was at Rider’s Apartments in Wauneta. Ken then served in the U.S. Army from March 1953 to February 1955, spending his tour of duty in Korea during that time. Shortly after Ken’s discharge from the Army, he and Cleo made their home on their farm on the North Divide. Here they raised their three children: Kerry, Debbie and Shelly. Their home was filled with love, fun and adventure (and chores!). After farming for many years, Ken then worked at Enders Lake Golf Course.
Ken was a very loving and doting grandpa to his grandchildren: Stacey, Lance, Brian, Beau, Chase, Jessica, Cory, Ryan, Jamie and Brian. They affectionately called him “Gramps”. Even more joy came to his life when he became a great-grandpa to Alec, Abby, Mayson, Cacia, Jensen, Creed, Zachary, Jesse and Taylor. His love and pride in them showed when his smile and sparkle in his eyes lit up his face. Ken was a loving husband to the love of his life Cleophia for 61 years.
Ken’s many interests included hunting and fishing, bowling, cards, and especially golf. Ken had many golfing buddies throughout the years. “Pops” especially enjoyed golfing with his sons-in-law and grandsons, and his best buddy and son, Kerry. Ken was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post #304.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Dora Denker; brother Donald Denker; sister-in-law Joan Denker; brother-in-law Jim Taylor; and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Survivors include: Wife: Cleophia Denker of Wauneta, Nebraska. Son: Kerry Denker of Wauneta, Nebraska. Daughter: Debbie (Bill) Sandman of Utica, Nebraska. Daughter: Shelly (Randy) Yoder of Wauneta, Nebraska. 7 Grandchildren: Stacey Bauer and husband Lance; Brian Sandman; Beau Yoder; Chase Yoder and wife Jessica; Cory Stepler; Ryan Stepler; and Jamie Neel and husband Brian. 9 Great-grandchildren: Alec and Abby Bauer; Mayson and Cacia Sandman; Jensen and Creed Yoder; Zachary and Jesse Neel; and Taylor Lovci. Sister: DeLores Taylor of Wauneta, Nebraska. Sister: Diann (Dean) Widger of Fort Morgan, Colorado. Sister-in-law: Vera Fosbinder of North Platte, Nebraska. Many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services will be 10:00 A.M. (MT), Thursday, July 3rd, 2014, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wauneta, Nebraska, with Pastor Keith Wellman and Pastor David McCarthey officiating. Inurnment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, Nebraska, with full military honors.
No Visitation; Kenny chose cremation.
In Lieu of Flowers, a memorial has been established in Kenny’s name.
Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
LIEWER FUNERAL HOME OF WAUNTEA IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS