Myron Denekas

Myron Norman “Mike” Denekas, 78, of St. Joseph passed away on May 25, 2012. Mike was born on August 7, 1933 in Dumont, IA to Clarence and Bertha (Myers) Denekas. Raised in the small farming communities of Kings, IL and Oregon, IL, Mike graduated from Oregon (IL) Community High School in 1951 and went on to graduate from Hope College in Holland, MI in 1955 with a major in English and minors in History, Social Studies and Greek. Mike later proceeded to obtain his Masters Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. Mike served in the United States Army from 1957-1959, stationed primarily at Fort Richardson, Alaska. In 1960 Mike married the former Marlene Joostberns in Hamilton, Michigan. Upon moving to St. Joseph that same year, Mike began a teaching career with St. Joseph Public Schools in the Social Studies department that would continue for 35 years until his retirement in 1995. Starting in what was then St. Joseph Junior High School (later Milton Junior High School), Mike moved to the new Upton Junior High School in 1968 and then ultimately to St. Joseph High School in 1975. Well known for decades by many St. Joe students and his colleagues, Mike was involved in a host of school activities including as football coach, athletic director and advisor to the Student Senate. For many years Mike took great satisfaction in organizing an annual trip for St. Joe High freshman to Washington, D.C. As President of the North Lincoln baseball association in the mid 1970s, Mike was instrumental in founding and organizing the annual all-star youth baseball tournament at Eaton Park. Mike was a devoted member and leader at the Fairplain Presbyterian Church for many years, which included service on the Church Session, as a teacher and on numerous committees. Mike is survived by his wife Marlene Denekas; his daughter Lori (Charles) Betz of Bismarck, ND; his three sons Mark (Heather) Denekas of St. Joseph, Craig (Betsy Pelikan) Denekas of Portland, ME, and Andrew (Francesann) Denekas of Elmhurst, IL; and nine grandchildren. A visitation for friends and family will be held at the Fairplain Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Napier, Benton Harbor on Friday, June 1, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at Fairplain Presbyterian Church with Rev. LaVerne Davenport officiating. At Mike’s request, those wishing to make memorial donations in his name may direct them to the music fund at Fairplain Presbyterian Church.