Denk, Robert James 1942 - 2024
DENK, SMITH, SCHISSEL, MAXA, KRETZSCHMAR, WADDELL, FREDERICK, PARKS, HOLDEN, RADKE, WESTBY
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/12/2024 at 11:07:44
Robert "Bob" Denk, age 81 of Decorah, IA, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, at his home in Decorah surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. The burial will be in St. Benedict Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Robert (Bob) James Denk was born on November 5, 1942 in Marshfield, WI, to Virgil and Geraldine (Smith) Denk. Bob grew up in Alma Center, WI, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1960. After graduation, Bob attended Eau Claire Technical Institute for general business. Bob worked many farm jobs growing up in rural Wisconsin, before starting a full-time job in Marshfield at Marshfield Music Center in sales and teaching organ and accordion lessons.
In 1962, Bob moved to Iowa with his family and started working at Kephart’s Music Center, while also playing dinner music at the Cliff House Restaurant in Decorah. It was here that he met his future wife, Eunice, and her little son Randy. The couple was married on June 12, 1965. To this union was born Cindy on June 24, 1966, and Jim on February 20,1970.
Bob switched careers to full-time sales, first with Cobie Office Supply, then AAA Insurance before his final job at The Insurance Center. Though he no longer worked in the music field, his love for music did not stop. He enjoyed playing with his dad, brother Don and later daughter Cindy in the family band, the 4D’s, entertaining people throughout northern Iowa with their polka music.
Bob was also an avid fisherman, hunter, and later golfer. He enjoyed family trips back to Wisconsin to hunt with a high school buddy in Alma Center. He also enjoyed going to the cabin to fish, play golf and waterski.
Bob was a long-time member of SilverCrest Golf in Decorah, serving on the board and as President of the club. If he wasn’t on the course, you could find him in the clubhouse playing cards, which he did frequently during the winter months. He was also a member of St. Benedict Church and the Knights of Columbus.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the care given to Bob by WinnMed Hospice. We are very grateful to Brittany, for her support and guidance she gave all of us. A special thank you to Bob’s poker buddies on Wednesdays and Thursdays. He truly looked forward to playing with you.
Bob is survived by his children: Randy (Cindy) Schissel of Decorah, Cindy Maxa of Decorah, Jim (Kayla) Denk of Lakeville, MN. Grandchildren: Tyler (Cecily) Maxa, Kaitlin Maxa, MacKenzie (Ryan) Kretzschmar, Collin (Madison) Denk, Jennifer (Wade) Waddell, Samantha (Bobby) Frederick, John Schissel and Matt Schissel. Great-grandchildren: Maddison and Adam Waddell, Emery, Parker and Myla Friederick and Dean Maxa. Great aunt Shelby Jean Parks, sister Judy (Gary) Holden and brother Rick Denk, sisters-in-law Jackie Westby, Peggy Westby and Audrey Barth and brother-in-law Bill Radke along with many nieces and nephews.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Eunice (July 2019). Parents Virgil and Gerry Denk. Father and mother-in-law Carl and Rachel Westby. Brother and sister-in-law Don and Gayla Denk.
Source: Helms Funeral Home database
St. Benedict Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen