Harold Edwin Denekas, formerly of Freeport and German Valley, IL, passed away peacefully at Medina Nursing Center, Durand, IL, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 93. Harold was born on July 11, 1931, to Marvin and Laura (Janssen) Denekas. He and his brothers - Warren and Gerald - walked a mile every day from the family homestead to the one-room Wessels Schoolhouse. He then attended Pleasant Prairie Academy in German Valley, graduating in 1949 with a class of nine students.

On Wednesday, February 27, 1952, Harold was united in marriage with the love of his life, Carol Bolen, at the Forreston Methodist Church. The following week, Harold was inducted into the United States Army, where he served in the Korean Conflict during 1952-1953. After returning from the Army, Harold and Carol started crop and dairy farming near German Valley until retiring. At the turn of the century, they relocated to Freeport. They were lifetime members of Silver Creek Reformed Church.

Survivors include their children Sharon (Roland) Baier; Pamela Kuper (Bob Kubatzke); Rodney Denekas; and Jeffrey Denekas (Kelly Cummings). Also surviving Harold are nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Carol in 2023; parents; brother, Warren and his wife Hattiejane; his twin brother, Gerald and his wife Marge; and his son-in-law, Allen Kuper.

A funeral service will be Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Chapel. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens will follow the service. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be shared at Zion Community Church, 10100 W. Sabin Church Road, Pearl City, IL, after the burial.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

A special thank you to the caring staff at Medina Nursing Home of Durand as well as the OSF Hospice Team for their compassion and concern.