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Donald Denkinger Obituary
Donald "Don" A. Denkinger
August 28, 1936-May 12, 2023
CEDAR FALLS-Donald "Don" A. Denkinger, 86, of Cedar Falls, died Friday, May 12, 2023 in Waterloo. He was born August 28, 1936 in Cedar Falls, son of Anton and Marie Hay Denkinger. Don graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1954 and attended Wartburg College. Don entered the Army for two years, then graduated from Al Somers Umpire School.
He married Gayle Price November 24, 1962 in Humboldt.
Don was a Major League Baseball Umpire for 30 years for the American League from 1969 – 1998. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. He was a Rotarian in Waterloo and Sun Lakes, AZ. Don enjoyed golfing with friends in Iowa and Arizona. He loved sports; watching and attending University of Iowa football games and UNI basketball games; traveling with his wife of 60 years, visiting friends in the baseball community, and spending time with grandchildren.
Don is survived by: wife, Gayle; daughter, Darcel (Timm) Nikolajsen, Denmark; daughter, Denise (Tony) Hanson‚ Cedar Falls; daughter, Dana (Mike) Kelly‚ Downers Grove‚ IL; grandchildren, Ryan, Aubrey, Maggie, Aden, and Lee; step-grandchildren, Jeff and Michael; step-great grandchild, Lyle; brother, Tony (Dodie) Denkinger‚ Johnston; sister, Linda Parrott‚ Cedar Falls; and many family and friends.
Preceded in death by: his parents; sisters, Helene Bergman and Marian Denkinger; brother, Bill Denkinger; brothers-in-law, Kenny Bergman and Tom Parrott.
Services: 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls.
Visitation: 5–7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Locke at Tower Park, and 10:30 prior to services Friday at church.
Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery, Waterloo. Military rites: Army National Guard Honor Guard, Waterloo American Legion Post #138 and VFW Post #1623
Memorials: St. John Lutheran Church, Cedar Valley Hospice, UMPS CARE Charities.
Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Denkinger
Dave Mann
August 1, 2023
I was saddened and shocked by the passing of Don Denkinger this past May. While I served as the Oakland A's public address announcerin 1973 and 1974, I developed a friendship with Don and years later visited him at his home in Iowa. He was one of the most personable people I ever met and I join his family in mourning his passing. Thank you for sharing some great times with me.
Brett L Mealhow
May 24, 2023
My condolences to the family. I used to drive Anton and Marie to many of his games when I was young. He always had wonderful advice for me and I still have numerous baseballs signed by him. RIP my friend.
Sincerely,
Brett L Mealhow
Virginia Young
May 21, 2023
Sending love and condolences to Gayle on the loss of her wonderful husband Don. Virginia/Ginger Hudson Young, of Tau Sig days
Tom Akin
May 19, 2023
R I P Don - was a pleasure to know and deal with you overe the years. Tom Akin
Jayne friend at Sunnyside country club
May 18, 2023
Gayle and family, thinking of you at this sad time
Aline Sturch
May 17, 2023
Deepest sympathy to you Gayle and the family.
tom petersen
May 17, 2023
Don was a good friend and a great umpire!
Lou Kroenecke { 713-254-9202 } houston, 77069
May 14, 2023
my sincere regrets to Gayle & family from a long time friend frm E,W'loo,now in houston, class of " 54 ",F Y I betty passed on 9-22-2021,
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