Dr. John Carl Denker

John C. Denker was born May 2, 1933, to Roy and Margaret Denker in Omaha, NE, John and his family lived in Millard and Elk City during his younger years. Eventually they relocated to Valley, NE, which became John’s lifelong home. Graduating from Valley High in 1951 he went to Omaha University and then was accepted into Medical School at the University of Nebraska. Summer jobs included working on the Lincoln Highway and Valmont. While attending Med School, a blind date was arranged for John with Lorrie Lemen. They went to dinner and dancing and Lorrie truly fell for John. They were married on August 28th , 1954, and would have celebrated their 70th Anniversary this year. Once graduated in 1959 he interned at Clarkson Hospital. John opened his medical practice in Valley in 1960 where he and his wife also raised their family of four children. Forty years later he retired, selling his practice to Methodist Health Systems which still operates in Valley today. From day one, John was a dedicated Doctor. He made house calls, ambulance calls as needed in the community, and even had an after-hours office at their home, which had a private entry on the side of the house. He attended Valley School’s sporting events acting as the provider for any needed medical services. John cared for the community and his family. In addition to being the community’s doctor, John was active in civic duties including Valley School Board, and served on the boards of Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital and Clarkson Hospital. He was Medical Director for years at Valley Fire and Rescue. He was a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, and American Medical Association. In addition to his love of caring for people and his family John was an avid gardener with a yard full of beautiful flowers, especially roses. He also collected coins and stamps and loved birds. One final note to John’s dedication: on his last day of work before his retirement, which occurred on his “day-off”, he made his final house call. John C. Denker, MD passed away June 29, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Margaret Denker, brother, R. Stuart Denker, and sister, Kathy Jensen. He is survived by his wife, Loralee Denker, sons, Stuart (Vicki) Denker, Kurt (Diane) Denker, Gregg Denker, daughter, Diane (Dennis) Fiscus, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark's Lutheran Church - Valley or The Methodist Hospital Foundation.

Dr. John Carl Denker

May 2, 1933 - June 29, 2024