Eldon D. “Dave” Denlinger

Eldon D. “Dave” Denlinger, age 79, of Dubuque, IA, sadly completed his earthly journey suddenly on Dec. 29, 2021, at home.  To honor Dave’s life, a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at 11 am, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Rd, with Deacon Mike Ellis officiating.  Family and friends may visit from 9-11 am at the church.  Full military honors will be accorded by the Epworth American Legion, John White Post #650.  Burial will be in the Dunleith Cemetery in East Dubuque, IL, at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dave’s family.

 

Dave was born on April 16, 1942, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Eldon R. and Lenore B. (Steffen) Denlinger.  Dave grew up in Epworth, surrounded by family and friends his entire life.  He knew that his love of having his foot on the gas pedal, while his hands rested firmly on the steering wheel and shifter were going to definitely play a role in his career path.  Dave eventually made his way as a truck driver and spent over 35 years in the driver’s seat with both Cardox and Wenzel Towing.  He proudly collected the miles underfoot while provided for his family at home and trekking down the open road ahead of him.  His love for trucking also found a welcome home in the life of his son, Tony, who carries on the family tradition to this very day.  After retirement, Dave found that spending his free-time making deliveries with his friends at Hy-Vee was a perfectly smooth transition where he could continue to socialize and yet get a little driving in.  When Dave wasn’t working, you could generally find him running around town with his beautiful bride, Judy.  They both thoroughly enjoyed traveling, visiting, and singing Karoke and “Jackson” with friends whenever possible.  Sundays were always set aside for breakfast with Tony and the grandkids, Addy and Austin, and any day where a little canine companionship with Daisy was involved, Dave was truly a happy, satisfied, and content gentleman.  It is impossible to comprehend the sudden and tragic loss of such a good and decent man from this world.  Dave was undeniably a man among men and a salt of the earth kind of guy.  We will miss his gentle, yet firm embrace on all that was good in this life and pray that he knows just how much we will dearly love and miss him until we all meet again.  Thank you, Dave, for always being the positive force and role model we all seek in our lives and may the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms as we who are left behind seek both peace and healing in the difficult days ahead.        

 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Dave’s include,

 

his loving wife of 40 years,

Judith E. “Judy” Denlinger, Dubuque, IA;

 

his children,

Anthony “Tony” (Ashley Winders) Denlinger, Dubuque, IA,

Don (Tom Barlow) Clark, Madison, AL,

Sherry (Matt) Means, Hordville, NE,

Vickie (Fred) Kammiller, Dyersville, IA,

and Roxane (Patrick) Demaio, Dubuque, IA;

 

his 14 grandchildren;

 

his 13 great-grandchildrem;

 

his great-great grandchild;

 

his siblings,

Von (Jean) Denlinger, Cascade, IA,

Vanita Bries, Epworth, IA,

Pam (Terry) Strub, Elbe, WA;

 

his brothers-in-law,

Lester (Sandy) Sarazin, Dubuque, IA,

Donald “Krunch” Kronlage, Epworth, IA,

and Frank Sarazin, Dubuque, IA;

 

along with countless extended family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

 

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Lenore Denlinger; a great-grandson, Myles Ernzen; 2 brothers, Merle Denlinger and Duane Denlinger; his sister, Cathy Kronlage; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Margaret Sarazin; 2 brothers-in-law, Jim Sarazin and Dave Sarazin; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Sarazin;

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted in Dave’s name, and the family request if those who are attending his service would please where a mask. 

 

Dave’s family would like to thank all of the City of Dubuque First Responder’s, along with the nurses and staff in the Finley Hospital E.R. for all of their professional and compassionate care of Dave and his family.  Your kindness helped to make a very difficult time just a little more bearable and we thank you for that.

 

Online condolences may be shared with Dave’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

 

 

Visitation

Resurrection Catholic Church
4300 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa, 52002
January 4th, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Memorial Service

Resurrection Catholic Church
4300 Asbury Road, Dubuque, Iowa, 52002
January 4th, 2021 at 11:00 AM

3 comments on “Eldon D. “Dave” Denlinger
  1. Laura Vargas says:

    Judy, my deepest sympathy for your loss, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  2. Pam Wenzel says:

    So sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man, but I am so happy that I got the chance to know him over the years and recently got to give him a hug when I saw him. He always had a smile on his face and has always had a huge heart! He knows he was loved by us and I am pretty sure Jules is teaching him all kinds of shenanigans in heaven! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time and if you need a shoulder to cry on or just need someone to talk to, I will always be here for you! Love Always, Pam Wenzel and family

  3. Chris Shepherd says:

    Hi Judy, so sorry for your loss. Dave was a nice guy I always enjoyed visiting with you both over the past years. My heart goes out to you and the whole family. Take care,

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