John Denk

John Robert Denk, 58, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 7, 2021. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, August 12, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, with Jason Ramos officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Waco Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 11, at the funeral home. The family is requesting that masks be worn by those attending services for John.

John was a loving husband and father. He married Carla Marie Adler on July 14, 1984, and soon became a proud father to his son, Duke Denk. Throughout his life, he always looked for special ways to express his care and appreciation. He especially loved to “show off” his cooking skills by spending hours perfecting lasagna, beans or other dishes — or his love for classic rock by singing tunes anytime a comment made a song pop in his head (which he passed on to Duke who now also is a walking jukebox).

Spending time with friends and family was John’s favorite pastime, and Carla referred to him as her greatest “protector.” He loved to grill out and to play games – and he could smoke everyone at Yahtzee. He treasured holiday celebrations and special traditions and always made sure, that even when he was away, that Duke enjoyed a meaningful Christmas. No matter what, he wanted to ensure his son had the best, and had the opportunity to begin extending that care by doting on his new grandson, Gracen. He passed on love, selflessness, generosity, and his good looks, and his legacy will carry on through his family.

John Denk was born December 20, 1962, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Donald Joseph and Frances Lois Denk, as one of four children and joined Jesus for an eternal celebration on August 7, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Raymond Denk.

He is survived by his wife, Carla Denk of Waco; son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Duke, Davin and Gracen Denk of Waco; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark Steven and Paula Denk of Vancouver, Washington, and Michael Joseph and Tammy Denk of New Kensington, Pennsylvania; a niece, nephews and family friends.