Terry Denker Obituary

Terry Eugene Denker, age 75, was born on October 14, 1949 in Imperial, Nebraska. His parents were Lavern and Elinor Denker. He passed away due to complications following surgery in Greeley, Colorado on May 3, 2025.

Terry grew up on a farm south of Wauneta, Nebraska. He attended a country school for two years and then attended Wauneta Public Schools, graduating there. He attended one year of college at Kearney State College. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church and was baptized and confirmed there. He was also a member of Walther League.

A job with a power line business sent Terry to Esteline, South Dakota. He became a resident of Bruce, South Dakota and was employed at 3M, retiring there. Through his years in South Dakota, he was married, later divorced and had two children, Anne Denker Hovey and Michael Denker.

After retiring from 3M, remained in South Dakota until his parents and brother in Wauneta needed assistance. He moved to Wauneta to help them, and it became his home until his death. Terry helped his family until he became ill and started living in the Wauneta Care and Therapy Center where he lived for nine years. He was quite content being there and enjoyed the interactions with the kind and caring staff.

Among Terry’s favorite things to do were golfing, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles. He also loved collecting antiques, political stickers, and golf balls.

Terry is survived by his sister Pat Denker Polly, his brother Lynn Denker, his son Michael Denker and granddaughter Abigail Hovey, two great grandchildren, his nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lavern and Elinor Denker, his grandson, Kyle Hovey, grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins.

No services are planned at this point. Memorials can be made to the Wauneta Care and Therapy Center.