Dennis Wadkins

1943 - 2025

Dennis Wadkins

May 18, 1943 - August 31, 2025

Dennis G. Wadkins, 82, of Grand Island, Neb. died Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society – Grand Island Village with family by his side.

Private graveside service will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Fr. Thomas Vijumon Choorackal will officiate. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor team. Visitation will be Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. You are encouraged to sign Denny's guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Denny was born May 18, 1943, in Grand Island, Neb. the son of Fahy E. and Velma J. (Walker) Wadkins. He grew up in Phillips, Neb. graduating from Phillips High School in 1960.

Denny entered the U.S. Army on June 10, 1960, serving as a Launch Controller for the Nike Hercules Missile. He also drove escort for many of the Army Generals. He was honorably discharged on March 27, 1963, returning to Nebraska.

He married Jane M. Barber on December 11, 1965, in Grand Island, Neb. Denny was parts manager at Roe Buick for several years. Denny moved to Lincoln, Neb., and later Grand Island, Neb. working for the Nebraska State Patrol as a radio operator. Denny worked for the United States Post Office as an auditor, retiring as Postmaster in 1999 from the Lexington Post Office in Lexington, Neb. In his retirement Denny was a delivery driver for Office Net.

Denny's favorite job and true love was riding his motorcycle. He traveled all over the United States taking in the scenery. If he was not riding his cycle, you would most likely find him on his deck visiting with neighbors or in his lounge chair. He was an avid husker fan enjoying watching volleyball and football games, as well as NASCAR. He was a sprint car pit man for several years. Denny had a unique scene of humor that resonated with everyone he met.

He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, volunteering where needed and was a Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of the GWRRA Motor Cycle Club and was a past treasurer for the organization.

Denny is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane Wadkins of Grand Island, Neb.; twin sons, Michael Wadkins of Lincoln, Neb., Patrick Wadkins of Lincoln, Neb; daughter, Amy (Steve) Whitefoot of Atoka, Tenn.; grandchildren, Cody (Laurie) Whitefoot, Hannah Whitefoot, Patrick (Samantha) Wadkins; great grandchildren, Kallen Whitefoot, Hope Whitefoot, Eden Whitefoot, and his beloved Shih Tzu dog, Annie;

brothers, Marion Wadkins, of Baltimore, Md., Doug (Theresa) Wadkins of Lexington, Neb.; sister, Marty Martin of Grand Island, Neb.

Denny is preceded in death by his parents, and a granddaughter, Christyna Leah Wadkins.

Curran Funeral Chapel