Gerald Kenneth Denekas of German Valley, IL passed away peacefully at Walnut Acres Nursing Home on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in Freeport, IL at the age of 88.

Gerald was born on July 11, 1931, to Marvin & Laura (Janssen) Denekas. He attended the local one room Wessels School House. He then attended Pleasant Prairie Academy, graduating in 1949. Gerald married Marjorie Schaap on June 17, 1952 at the Christian Reformed Church in Austinville, Iowa.

Gerald was a longtime farmer for many years. He had the privilege of being a custodian, bus driver, and friend to many children within the Forrestville Valley School District for many years. He also worked at Helsley Supply as a delivery driver. Through all of this, Gerald was head custodian at the Silver Creek Reformed Church alongside his wife until their retirement in summer 2015. He was a lifelong member at Silver Creek Reformed Church, in German Valley, IL where he served as Deacon, Elder, and Youth Sponsor.

Gerald and Marjorie have been residents of Walnut Acres Nursing Home in Freeport, IL. In May 2019, they were voted King and Queen of the nursing home for the coming year.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie of sixty-seven and a half years, children: Kenneth (Eileen) Denekas, Marilyn (Stephen) Harrison, Janis (Stephen) Merrill, Rachel Richmond, David (Dawn) Denekas, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren with two more on the way; brother: Harold (Carol) Denekas, and many nieces and nephews.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, son: Steven Denekas, brother: Warren Denekas, and sister-in-law, Hattiejane Denekas.

His celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Silver Creek Reformed Church; 326 S Bunker Hill Rd, German Valley, IL with Pastor Grant Mulder officiating. Visitation will precede the services at 9:00 a.m. at Silver Creek Reformed Church. He will be laid to rest with a private family interment at the Silver Creek Reformed Cemetery; German Valley, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Words of Hope – Niger, Africa or Grace Covenant Ministries – Annville, KY. He loved God, his family and enjoyed being around people in the community. Special thanks to Walnut Acres Nursing Home and FHN Hospice for their compassionate care and concern.