Mildred Frances Denecke

Mildred Frances Denecke
April 19, 1927 – October 5, 2025
Mildred "Dennie" Denecke, philanthropist, world traveler and avid skier, died Sunday, October 5, 2025 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was 98 years old. She is predeceased by her parents and her cousin Bruce Power.
Edward and Esther (nee Poole) Denecke welcomed their daughter into the world in 1927. Dennie graduated from the University of Michigan in 1949 with a degree in Engineering Physics and continued with graduate work in astronomy, mathematics, history, German and economics.
As a research engineer on the cutting edge of science and technology, Dennie investigated thermal imaging devices and developed complex programs on several early mainframe computers. She created digital simulations of a missile system and a large, unified air defense program. In her pioneering work, she participated in exercises with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and did research on arms control and disarmament inspection systems.
Dennie's collection of passports bear the marks of her travels to nearly every continent. Her destinations included China, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. She spoke often of how much she enjoyed the Galapagos Islands. Introduced to skiing in Vermont at a young age, she schussed and slalomed through the Rockies and the Alps extensively. Dennie enjoyed cross country, downhill and helicopter skiing.
At home, Dennie enjoyed reading, listening to classical music and opera. She loved animals, pampering a large backyard flock of well-fed birds and squirrels, and was always ready with a treat for any visiting dogs. She kept her ever-inquisitive mind sated with interesting courses offered by the University of Michigan's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Dennie was also an active member of St. Mary Student Parish since her college years.
Those who knew her found her totally accepting and nonjudgemental. She was a conscientious neighbor and not prone to gossip. Dennie gave generously and enthusiastically encouraged education and travel.
Dennie is survived by her dearest friends, the Eastbury Court neighbors and a large cast of loving caregivers and helpers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mildred Denecke at St. Mary's Student Chapel in Ann Arbor on Saturday October 25 at 10 am. She will be interred beside her father in Pine Hill Cemetery, Brandon, Vermont, at a later date. Local arrangements by Miller & Ketcham of Brandon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
St. Mary's Student Parish.
Center for the Education of Women at the University of Michigan
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Fund for Learning at the University of Michigan.
The Mildred F. Denecke Scholarship for Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan.