Michael J. Denecke

Michael J. Denecke, age 61, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, in the arms of his loving wife after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 11, 1959, in Chicago, IL, the son of the late William and Dorothy (Young) Denecke. Michael attended the Round Lake Schools, graduating from Round Lake High School with the class of 1978. Michael married Claire Noonan on June 15, 1996, in McHenry, IL. The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year. He was employed in maintenance and as a custodian at the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department before he was diagnosed with cancer. Michael was a member of United Methodist Church in McHenry and the Pipefitters Union. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycles, and playing on his tractor. Michael is survived by his wife, Claire of Gaastra, MI; sons, Michael (Nefertiti) Braden of Arizona, Matthew (Jennifer) Denecke of Elkhorn, WI, and Daniel (Briggs) Fenwick-Perry of New York; daughters, Jenevieve (Daniel Truque) Perry of New York and Sherrice Perry of Illinois; brothers, William Denecke of Wisconsin and Robert Denecke of Indiana; sister, Lori (John) Ridgeway of Gurnee, IL; grandchildren, Keeli and Valentina Cristan, Elijah and Lukas Braden, Kinsley and Haelyn Denecke; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, James and Steven Denecke and granddaughter, Naomi Aqua Braden. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Jacobs Funeral Home Inc. of Iron River. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Justen Funeral Home in McHenry, IL. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 9:30 to 10:30am at United Methodist Church in McHenry, IL. The funeral service will follow at 10:30am at with Pastor Kurt Gamlin to officiate. Interment will follow at Ascension Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Libertyville, IL. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael J. Denecke, please visit our flower store.