Dena Kraichely

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Dena Kraichely, 53, of Upper Pottsgrove PA, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family talking to her and holding her hands. Although she never let it show; also, not wanting sympathy or to be looked on with pity, we are comforted in knowing that she is no longer in pain and will no longer be suffering and is now at peace with our Lord.

Dena is survived by her husband of 32 years, Denny and their daughter, Madison, and two sons, Chase and Mason. She is survived by her parents, Gery and Lorraine Ogden, of St. Charles MO. Dena is also survived by her sister Lindsey (Ogden) Kemerling and Tom Kemerling of Gilbert AZ. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Joe (Ellen) Kraichely their three sons Kyle (Lauren) Kraichely of Denver CO, Ryan (Emma) Kraichely of Austin TX, and Tyler Kraichely of Kirkwood MO, as well as Tom Kraichely of Hazelwood MO and Mike Kraichely of St. Louis MO. Dena is predeceased by her Father-in law, Joe Kraichely and Mother-in-law, Eileen Kraichely of Hazelwood MO and predeceased by her sister Jaime Ogden, mother of Kaitlynn Ogden, Brianna Ogden, and Savannah Ogden of St. Charles MO.

A 1990 graduate of Hazelwood West High School, Hazelwood MO, Dena worked at a number of companies (National States Insurance, Abbott Ambulance, Stange Company) in the greater St Louis prior to giving birth to and focusing on raising her children. As her children entered elementary school, Dena returned to work and spent more than 13 years in the Pottsgrove School District as In School Suspension (ISS) aide, a difficult position that required immense patience but Dena immediately built connections and gained the respect of students in her room. It was very rewarding to see the bond that was fostered as these students matured and the way that they appreciated her guidance even more. Dena also assisted in supporting staff, primarily at Lower Pottsgrove Elementary School but was also known as one to get things done across the Pottsgrove School District. She truly valued the amazing co-workers and great friends who were gained through her time there. Dena also enjoyed spending time with friends in the Maugers Mill Estates community where she and her family resided for the past 20 years.

Dena's greatest attribute was the way that she always put the needs of others ahead of own, truly admirable and an inspiration to all who knew her. This did not diminish when she received the devastating news of ovarian cancer diagnosis. Following recovery from surgery and even while receiving treatments over several years, she did not let it slow her down and she never let it show. She was very honored to receive the Ray Gofus Volunteer of the Year Award 2025 from Pottsgrove Falcons Athletics during the end of football season awards, an amazing testament to her character.

Everyone who knew Dena and would like to come together to celebrate her life, are invited to join her family in a visitation on Sunday, March 15, 2026, 1:00-4:00 PM at Catagnus Funeral Home, 329 North Lewis Road, Royersford PA. Everyone is also invited to pay final respects to Dena by attending visitation on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM followed by mass at 5:00 PM, location at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church (256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473). Burial services and interment will be held privately at Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick PA.

To honor Dena's commitment, the family is asking that in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made toward the establishment of the Dena Kraichely Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a deserving senior high school football player who most embodies her character through putting the needs of others ahead of their own. To donate please visit: https://gofund.me/18d7cc7c6