Asleep in Jesus on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Richard was born September 2, 1939, in St. Louis, the eldest son of the late William and Pauline (Hazen) Dencker.
Rich is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sheila (Murrey) Dencker; their three children, Steve and Tim Dencker, and Lisa (Benjamin) Ross; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Jacob) Hicks, Jessica Dencker, and Adam Ross; siblings Judith (Rich) Kaemmerer, and the late Wallace Dencker. Our dear brother-in-law, cousin, uncle, great-uncle, Godfather, neighbor, and friend.
Rich was employed by Zeller Electric for almost 30 years and was a member of IBEW Local #1. His hobbies included fishing, bowling, gardening, playing cards, and working puzzles. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues.
In earlier years, Rich enjoyed volunteering as a Boy Scout leader and bowling on several leagues. He was a longtime member of the Carondelet Pinochle Club, as well as a past member of the Fats and Leans service club and the BPOE (the Elks).
He was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Lemay and volunteered in several capacities, including as an Elder, a finance committee member, and for many years he served as head usher. He enjoyed bowling on the Lutheran Laymens League and playing pinochle with Sheila and other parishioners on Sunday evenings.
Over the years, Rich enjoyed fishing, camping, and float trips with his family and friends. Many good times were had around the campfire at Terre du Lac. He loved gathering for family barbeques and holiday meals, which were almost always followed by poker games.
Above all, Rich loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending many school functions, soccer games, and dance recitals. He loved helping them catch their first fish, exploring the backyard garden with them, and overseeing the building of Pinewood Derby cars.
Most recently, he was a resident of Bethesda Southgate Nursing Home, where he was cared for by attentive staff and enjoyed working his jigsaw puzzles and playing BINGO with family and other residents. We are truly thankful for the wonderful care he received while at Bethesda and, during his last days, from the staff at Mercy South Hospital.
Visitation on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 4-8pm at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road.
Visitation on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 10-11am at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 765 Lemay Ferry Road. Memorial Service at 11am, followed by a Committal Service at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1515 Lemay Ferry Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Gethsemane Lutheran Church (765 Lemay Ferry Road) are appreciated.
I got to know Rich much better while visiting him at Bethesda Rehab and Skilled Nursing. He was always so pleasant and even though he would sometimes forget my name, our visits were most enjoyable. He spoke of his fine family which included grandchildren who gifted him with a lovely cross he wore all the time. Much loved, respected and always remembered by His loving Lord Who he knew very well.
May God comfort your family at the time and always. At Bethesda Southgate everyone loved him so much. He did love his family. Talked about so often. He loved Bingo, always won prizes for his wife. Just a few Bingos ago. He won like 8 times. He would give his prizes away for everyone who did not win. He was so sweet and cared about everyone. I just recently met and talked with his wife. She was so attentive with him. He was a joy to be around and so funny. I`ll always remember that Bingo night. God Bless you all. Sincerely Stephanie Velten AKA (Activities Cookie Lady)
Our Dear Classmate, Class of 1957 Hancock High School. One of our sweetest classmates. We will miss him dearly and be remembered in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to Sheila and the Family.
Beverly Martin
Hancock 1957 Classmates
Our dear classmate, Class of 1957 Hancock High School. One of the kindest and sweetest guys in our class. He will be in our hearts and will miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathy to Sheila and the Family with prayers and love.
Hancock Classmates and Bev.