Obituaries

Kenneth Martin “Ken” Denlinger, 66

January 30, 2021

Kenneth Martin “Ken” Denlinger, 66, of Lancaster, PA, entered into the arms of his savior Jesus Christ on January 30, 2021, with his loving family by his side. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Martin D. and Lydia H. (Hostetter) Denlinger. He was a 1972 graduate of Conestoga Valley. In 1977, he married Beverly McMichael with whom he shared 43 years.

Ken was the fifth generation to own and operate the family dairy farm. He was hard working and dedicated to his calling as a dairy farmer. Ken enjoyed finding ways to improve the daily farm operations and over the years doubled the herd size. After retiring from full time farming, Ken was able to invest more time in his other interests: spending time in his shop, woodworking and repairing various items, listening to gospel music and driving his 1946 Chevy pickup. Ken created many memories with his family at their cabin in the mountains. In his early retirement he helped remodel and enlarge the cabin for the many growing families.

Ken was a lifelong member of Mellinger Mennonite Church and a member of The Gideons International, helping spread the word of God all over the world. Ken’s faith defined his life – he was dedicated to the Lord, his family, and the land.

His memory will be cherished by his wife: Beverly Denlinger; two daughters: Carla (Kenneth) Shirk and Shannon (Robert) Meck; three sons: Nathan (Laurian) Denlinger, Todd (Mandie) Denlinger, and Eric Denlinger; five sisters: Carolyn (Ken) Rohrer, Joann (John) Martin, Debra (John) Shank, Donna (James) Graybill, and Kristine (Scott) Augsburger; two brothers: John (Deborah) Denlinger and Michael (Corinne) Denlinger; and lots of nieces and nephews. His presence will forever be treasured by his 18 grandchildren as well.

Family and friends will be received at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway E, Lancaster, PA 17602, on Friday February 5, 2021 from 10AM to 1PM. A funeral service will follow at 1PM with Pastor Dan Cloyd officiating. Kenneth’s service will be livestreamed and available on the church’s website, www.mellingerchurch.org. Interment will be at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. Those attending are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. Memorial donations in Ken’s honor can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 21 S 12th St, Akron, PA 17501 and / or the Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road Lititz, PA 17543.

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Condolences to the Family

February 10, 2021

Dear Bev and Family,
Sharing in your sadness as you walk through the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.  While I didn’t know Ken well, I went to school with Bev and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding……and I was the gift receiver in their wedding.   While we’ve lost day to day contact, whenever we did connect or meet up through mutual friends or sometimes Shannon, it was always evident this family maintained a strong faith and commitment to furthering the Gospel and strong family ties.  Praying for God to bring comfort in this time of great loss.  
LuAnne Barley Evans

February 09, 2021

Beverly and family,  Greta and I send our condolences.  Wishing you moments of peace.  
Gretchen Thomas

February 04, 2021

It was a privilege to know Ken Denlinger for over 50 years. I was one of his teachers when he was attending Conestoga Valley Middle School. Later he married my cousin Beverly. He farm the land on our family farm for many years. Bev and Ken became the caretakers for my brother Norman, after my parents moved to the Mennonite Home. As I remember Ken as a young teenager, husband, father and grandfather- he was always a very positive role model. He always had a big smile on his face and a big laugh. When Ken was first diagnosed with an enlarged heart, I remember telling him, “I always knew you were all heart”, to which he gave his usual big laugh. As I view pictures of his children and grandchildren, they all have the Ken Denlinger’s beautiful smiling face. My cousin Bev could not have found a better man or person to complete her 43 years of marriage. Ken was a beautiful, kind and loving person to everyone. As the family of Ken Denlinger face the future, they will feel sadness because Ken is in heaven and not here with them. But God brings people into our lives to help us grow. Your lives today and each tomorrow will be better because you had a role model like Ken to help you each day. When things are difficult, think “what would Ken do”? Ken faced many major health issues in his life, but with his prayers and positive faith, he was able to overcome most of them.  Why does God allow very good people to leave us so early in life?? I do not know, but I do know that as you live up to the standard  that Ken lived, you too will meet him in heaven. As you feel the need to be near him in the future, talk to him. He will be listening and so will God. You were most fortunate to be part of Ken’s life. To keep his life and memory alive, continue to follow and walk the way this Godly man lived. God bless you thank God you had this beautiful man as a part of your life!!
David L. Witmer

February 04, 2021

RIP Ken. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. As a fellow CV classmate, I had always considered you a friend. Though we had not kept in touch regularly after graduation, I was fortunate enough to catch up with you by phone as we prepared for our last class reunion. You will indeed be missed.
Chuck Book

February 03, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed, he loved the Lord and was a good man.
Kaye Kreider

February 03, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken’s entire family.  Ken’s life was an inspiration to the many of us who were blessed to know him.   
John and Jan Bratton

February 03, 2021

Kent and I have fond memories of Ken skiing with us up in New Hampshire and the many memories of sitting around the picnic table overlooking the family farm in the warm summer months. Ken will be so missed.  Beverly, we are here for you both with our prayers and kindred affection.   
Ken and Denise Dahlberg

February 02, 2021

So sorry for your loss Bev. Prayers for the Lord’s peace and comfort. 🙏
Joan Groff

February 02, 2021

grew up rite down the road from ken. we went to cv together and both graduated in 1972.
he was an awsome wood worker. you will be missed my friend.
scott bonholtzer

Visitation
Friday, February 05, 2021
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mellinger Mennonite Church
1916 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Friday, February 05, 2021
1:00 PM
Mellinger Mennonite Church
1916 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions

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