Richard Deneke

DENEKE, Richard William

Richard Deneke, 102, a proud World War II veteran and esteemed leader in the manufacturing industry, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024. Richard was born on March 4, 1922, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of Henry and Lucile Deneke. He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1943 with a degree of Engineer of Mines. He was immediately commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers and served in both Europe and the South Pacific. One of his assignments was building troop barracks using POWs after the takeover of Omaha Beach. He was honorably discharged in 1947.

Richard went to work for United States Gypsum Company for the next 40 years. He married his beloved wife Karin in 1959 while managing a Gypsum Plant in Plaster City, California. We still display the street sign named after him- Deneke Lane. After a few more promotions, he settled in Atlanta where he raised his family for the next 18 years. He retired in 1987 as Vice President of Manufacturing.

Richard and Karin retired to Kenmure County Club in Flat Rock, NC where Richard actively participated in Country Club activities and in the Hendersonville Community Foundation. He was an avid Golfer, bridge player and self-taught investor. He was so successful in managing and growing the Hendersonville Community Foundation investment fund that he was asked to continue for several years.

In 2008, the devoted couple moved to Park Springs, a Continuous Care Facility in Stone Mountain, GA. Richard continued playing golf into his 90's. On his 85th Birthday, he was asked how his golf game went that day, and his reply was "I had a good day, I shot my age!" He also still enjoyed bridge until he was over 100 and managed all his own investment accounts.

Richard will be remembered for his unwavering spirit, dedication to his family, and the impact he made throughout his life. When asked his secret for living so long, he would always reply "a glass of Scotch a day and a positive attitude". He leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Anne Christine Deneke and Suzanne Cushenberry; son-in-law, Chris Cushenberry; and grandchildren, Zachary and Carin Cushenberry.

A memorial service will be held November 27 at 12:30, Park Springs Retirement Community, Stone Mountain, Main Dining Room. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.