Ronald E. Denkinger, 89, a devoted family man, proud Air Force Veteran, and esteemed member of the Humphrey St. Francis community—some would say the heart and soul of the Flyers—passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey with Fr. Wayne Pavela celebrating. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil Service at the church. The family suggests that attendees of the Vigil Service wear Flyer attire in memory of Ron. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until Mass begins. Interment with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Francis Catholic School. The service will be broadcast live on Gass Haney Funeral Home's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057043736890.

Ron was born on February 17, 1935, to George and Antonette (Albracht) Denkinger. He graduated from St. Francis in 1952. His commitment to his country led him to join the Air Force in August of that year; he would go on to serve for the next twenty years of his life.

On April 27, 1957, Ron, a townie, married the love of his life, Ann Eisenmenger, a farmer's daughter, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. Together they raised five daughters.

In 1972, having served his country, Ron returned to Humphrey with his family where he would go on to serve as Chief of Police in Leigh for several years before becoming Chief of Police in Humphrey. As he approached retirement, Ron stepped into a new role as president of the St. Francis Athletic Board; he would serve on the board for over thirty years. His voice was well-known as he announced the lineups for the home basketball and volleyball games. He also enjoyed being a lector and usher at St. Francis Catholic Church and working part-time at Duesman Funeral Home and later with Gass Haney Funeral Home.

Ron was the Flyers' #1 fan. His passion for sports knew no bounds. After years of cheering on the football team, volleyball team, and basketball teams, he even found himself becoming the #1 fan of St. Francis's speech and one act teams – and a bit of an expert, if he did say so himself.

Ron loved to golf, and he served on the board of Steepleview Golf Course. He was beloved by many and cherished his community.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sons-in-law Tom Oberhauser and Gary Krings, and many other relatives and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife Ann and daughters Janet Oberhauser (Doug Krueger), Cheri (Gary) Hassenstab, Lynn Krings, Ronda (Dave) Lubischer, and Deb (Jeff) Eisenmenger, and by his brother and sister-in-law Jerry & June Denkinger. His 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren brought him immense joy and pride.

His family would like to thank the entire staff at Faith Regional Health Services for the exceptional care Ron received and for their kindness and compassion for his loved ones while he was hospitalized.