John G. Denkins, age 79, of Cooks, died Friday morning June 15, 2007 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, located in Marquette, where he has resided for the past nine months.
John was born March 1, 1928, in Danville, VA, the son of Thadeus and Verdie (Gusler) Denkins. John was raised in Danville and attended the Danville school system. Following high school, John went to work for the Dan River Textile Mill. In 1946, John enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a Cpl. Combat Medic during the Korean War Conflict. John was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1951 having acquired Medals of Accommodation which included the Purple Heart, UN Ribbon, Korean Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge and the Army of Occupation Medal for being wounded in combat and duties served. In October of 1952, John married the former Helen Fluette, in Muskegon, MI, and together the couple eventually made their home in the Cooks area where they have resided for the past 30 plus years. Throughout his life, John was employed with Dan River Textile Mill, Holland Furnace Installation, Termite Extermination and Hoholik’s Plumbing from which he retired. John enjoyed reading, spending time outdoors, spending time with his loving family and in earlier years, farming on the family farm in Cooks.
In addition to his wife Helen, John is survived by:
5 Sons: John S. Denkins of Manistique, MI; Jeffrey (Gail) Denkins of Freedom, WI; James (Grace); Denkins of Cooks, MI; Joseph (Tammey) Denkins of Thompson, MI; David (Deb) Denkins of Cooks, MI
1 Daughter: Gina (Warren) Feichtenbiner of Appleton,WI
1 Sister in law: Norma Denkins of Florida
14 Grandchildren: Serina, Shannon, Shawna, Mathew, Michael, Nicki, Sara, Dustin, Jake, Chad, Candy, Danny, Keegan and Stephen
Also listed among the surviving family are 9 Great Grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Thadeus and Verdie, 2 Sisters, Margaret and Irene and 2 Brothers, James and Bobby.
A family gathering celebrating the life of John G. Denkins will be held at the convenience of the Denkins family. The Denkins family respectfully request that memorial contributions in John’s name be directed to the charity of ones choice.
