Christopher T. Denney
Christopher T. Denney
Christopher T. Denney
July 29, 1961 – February 11, 2019
Van Buren, Arkansas | Age 57
Christopher Thomas Denney died peacefully at home on February 11 at the age of 57 in Van Buren, Arkansas. He was surrounded by his family and his partner Rebecca Herink. He leaves behind two children, Lauren Denney of Minnesota and Grant Denney of Nebraska. He is survived by his siblings: two brothers; Michael Denney of Spain and Patrick Denney of Virginia; one sister; Eva (Chris) Jackson of Chicago. Illinois; a step-mom: Joan (Ernie) Simpson from Clairmont, California; and many nieces and nephews.
Chris, as his many friends and family called him, was born on July 29, 1961, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was the youngest son of the four children born to Thomas Denney and Renate E. Strauch. He lived a full and joyous childhood, growing up on a century farm in rural Iowa. He lost his mother at a very young age and it forever shaped his dedication and appreciation of family and the special bonds therein. Chris was the “glue” who sustained the Denney-Strauch family’s bond over the years and across the continents and generations.
Chris graduated from North Mahaska High School in New Sharon, Iowa where he immersed himself in his studies, but he excelled in his social skills. It was there that he developed his strong work ethic and love of learning. It was also there that he developed his adept people skills, and his uncanny way of bringing a smile to any face.
Chris graduated from Iowa State University in 1985, majoring in Agricultural Business and Finance. It was there that he met and married the mother of his children, Julie Spieker.
Following college graduation, he started his long career in banking and finance. He worked many years as a Regional Manager for Northwest Financial and then Wells Fargo Financial, then for Robert Half Finance, and later at United Bankers and Mutual of Omaha Bank. He was currently working as an independent investment advisor and freelance consultant in the banking industry.
In Chris’s free time he was very active, enjoying gardening, cooking, golf, biking, triathlons, marathons, motorcycles, and old cars. He was a passionate member of the Rotary Club. He had an artistic and musical side and would on occasion still pick up his old trombone between teaching himself to play the guitar.
People were drawn to his positive presence and quick wit, and he counted many profound friendships. Through the tough years and the good ones, he had no regrets and was proud of his accomplishments and his service. He was the proudest of his children. His was a life filled with family, friends, and happy days in his final years. He came in strong and went out fast. We are all at a loss at his sudden departure and are filled with a deep sorrow for and a deep love of a most wonderful father, brother, partner, and friend. We celebrate the gift of Chris in our lives. He will be missed greatly.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, February 15, 2019, at 10:30 AM in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend John Spiegel officiating.
Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be open at 12 noon on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Bates Funeral Chapel, and the family will be present from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Christopher T. Denney please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
