Marlene Fae Denekas

Marlene Fae Denekas, 81, of St. Joseph passed away on February 13, 2018. Marlene was born on April 13, 1936 in Hamilton, MI to Theodore Joostberns and Georgianna (Piers) Joostberns. Marlene was raised amongst a large but very close extended family in Hamilton, MI, graduating with honors from Holland High School in 1954. Showing promise at piano from an early age, Marlene began formal instruction at both piano and organ that would blossom into a lifetime love of playing music. In 1960 Marlene married Myron (“Mike”) Denekas and the two began a remarkable union focused upon their devotion to family and to the greater community of St. Joseph. All four of their children attended St. Joseph Public Schools from kindergarten through high school. Together Marlene and Mike showed steadfast enthusiasm for school functions, youth and high school sporting events, band performances and church activities. Marlene’s guidance to her family was expressed through a precise excellence in all her undertakings. Her vigilance to detail was clear from her handwriting and cooking to her organization and finance skills. For a period of some fifty years commencing in 1964, Marlene served as the church organist at the Fairplain Presbyterian Church, where she was a devoted member. The weekly services and special musical pieces which she led number in the thousands. Every one of them gave her great fulfillment. Her friendships with fellow choir members and others over those many years were very dear to her. Asked in later years what gave her the greatest satisfaction in life, Marlene’s reflexive response even as her memories faded was simply “My husband and my family.” Marlene was predeceased by her husband Mike in 2012. She is survived by her daughter Lori (Charles) Betz of Bismarck, ND; her three sons Mark (Heather) Denekas of St. Joseph, Craig (Betsy Pelikan) Denekas of Portland, ME, and Andrew (Francesann) Denekas of Elmhurst, IL; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and her sister Phyllis (Donald) Myers of St. Joseph. Visitation will be held at the Fairplain Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Napier, Benton Harbor on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from Noon until 2 p.m., with a Memorial Service immediately thereafter starting at 2 p.m. with Rev. LaVerne Davenport officiating. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Marlene’s name may direct them to the music fund at Fairplain Presbyterian Church. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family or sign Marlene’s guest book may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.