Marjorie J. Denekas

Marjorie Jean (Schaap) Denekas was born on June 17, 1931, in Austinville, Iowa to Jacob A. & Dora Jeanette (Roos) Schaap. She attended Austinville Grade School and graduated from Aplington High School with the class of 1946. She then attended Ellsworth College, Iowa Falls, IA to obtain her teaching degree. She taught 1st and 2nd grades in Dows, Iowa.
On June 17, 1952, Marjorie was united in marriage to Gerald K. Denekas at the Christian Reformed Church in Austinville, IA. They made their home and raised their family on the Denekas family farm near German Valley, IL. In 1978 they built their new home in German Valley and lived there until 2018 when both Gerald and Marge moved to Walnut Acres Care Center in Freeport, IL. Gerald was called to his heavenly home on Jan. 25, 2020. In April of 2023, Marjorie moved to the Medina Nursing Home, Durand, IL.
Marjorie, known to many as Marge, was a dedicated wife and a wonderful homemaker and mother to her six children. Her oatmeal raisin cookies have been a family favorite for many years. God, family and friends were most important to Marjorie. She loved serving others by sharing gifts of food, sending encouraging cards and letters, and engaging in meaningful conversations. She also dedicated many years tutoring the students at German Valley Elementary School. Marjorie had a special interest in genealogy and learning about her family history, often sharing photos and memories of her ancestors.
Marjorie and her husband were active members at Silver Creek Reformed Church, German Valley, IL. She faithfully served in the former King's Daughters Society, the Women's Guild, Reformed Church Women and was a Youth Group Sponsor. One of her greatest joys was teaching the young children in Sunday School for many years. Marjorie and Gerald were the head custodians at the Silver Creek Reformed Church until their retirement in the summer of 2015.
The Lord called Marjorie home on Tuesday, March 4, reaching the wonderful age of 93 years.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving children: Kenneth (Eileen) Denekas, Marilyn (Stephen) Harrison, Janis (Stephen) Merrill, Rachel Richmond, David (Dawn) Denekas; eighteen grandchildren, thirty-one great-grandchildren with another one due in October, brother-in-law Harold Denekas, and many nieces and nephews.
Marjorie was preceded in death by Gerald, her husband of 67 years; son Steven Denekas; parents; parents-in-law Marvin and Laura (Janssen) Denekas; brother-in-law Warren Denekas, sister-in-law Hattiejane Denekas, sister-in-law Carol Denekas.
Special thanks to Medina Nursing Home and Serenity Hospice for their compassionate care and concern.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 15, 2025 at 11 AM, with visitation from 10 AM until time of service, at the Silver Creek Reformed Church, 326 S Bunker Hill Rd, German Valley, IL, with Pastor Nora Johnson officiating.
A memorial has been established for the Silver Creek Reformed Church or German Valley Food Pantry.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
Marjorie J. Denekas, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.