Stephen Gerard Denkers

Stephen Gerard Denkers, born on October 9, 1934, in Ogden, Utah, to Harold Gerard and Julie Francis Donoviel Denkers, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Steve’s life was a testament to dedication, service, and love.

Steve attended Polk Elementary, Central Middle School, and his beloved Ogden High School where he met the love of his life, Susan Eccles. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1956, where he was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. They married on September 15, 1956, in Ogden, Utah, and shared a remarkable 61 years together until Susan’s passing on October 23, 2017.

Steve served honorably in the United States Army from March 7, 1956 to December 11, 1957. During his service, he and Susan were stationed in Germany for two years, creating cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

After returning to Utah, Steve embarked on a distinguished career with First Security Bank, where he worked until his retirement in 1980. He also contributed his expertise as a board member for Anderson Lumber Company and Gateway Storage Company.

Steve was a pillar of his community and a fervent philanthropist. He was a founding member of the Willard L. Eccles Foundation and the Stephen G. and Susan E. Denkers Family Foundation. He was a well respected member of the Utah Masonic Order. His commitment to philanthropy was evident in his active participation on numerous nonprofit boards, including The Nature Conservancy of Utah, YCC of Ogden, Ducks Unlimited, Ogden Nature Center, Weber Pathways, Henry’s Fork Foundation, Madison River Foundation, Weber State University, the University of Utah, and Utah State University. His dedication to these causes has left an indelible mark on the Intermountain West.

Steve and Susan were avid world travelers, exploring various cultures and countries. They especially enjoyed spending their summers in Sun Valley, Idaho, and their winters in Indian Wells, California, for over 30 years, cultivating a life rich with adventure and cherished moments.

An expert bird hunter and fly fisherman, Steve was a true Renaissance man, excelling in every endeavor he pursued.

Steve is survived by his son, Stephen Eccles Denkers, Salt Lake City, and children Kelly, Madison, and Michael Denkers; daughter, Julie Denkers-Bishop and children, Ashley and Matthew Bishop, Salt Lake City. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan; sister, Donna Bramwell; brothers, Lee, Glen, and David Denkers. His legacy of love, dedication, and service will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible caregivers who supported Steve in the last stages of his life, particularly the caregivers from Senior Helpers, Pineview Rehabilitation, and the nurses and doctors at McKay Hospital. Special thanks to Taffie Evans Schmidt, NA, and Jennifer Beck Schmidt for their exceptional care and coordination of Steve’s healthcare in the last eight months.

Steve's was a life lived well, lived fully, lived with panache, and an infectious joie de vivre. His spirit of joy and adventure - and admirable generosity of spirit, cultivating this same joy in his family and community - is a cherished legacy and the root of many happy memories.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The YCC in Ogden, The Nature Conservancy, Greater Yellowstone Coalition or a charity of your choice in Steve’s honor.

Steve will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and the many causes he championed. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.