Charles Leroy Denker 2/11/1934 - 12/16/2021

Charles (Chuck) Leroy Denker, 87, passed away in his sleep at his Roseville, California residence with family members by his side on December 16, 2021. Charles was born in Wagner, South Dakota on February 11, 1934. He was the son of Fred and Helen (Teibel) Denker. Charles was a very proud Army veteran and served in the 7th Infantry Division in the Korean War. He was combat wounded and received two Purple Hearts. One incident occurred during the fight for the infamous Pork Chop Hill. After the war, Charles returned home and married Myrna Youngbluth of Wagner, South Dakota. They eventually relocated to California, first settling in Southern California where he managed a gas station and later worked as a machinist. The family then moved to Humboldt County in Northern California where he and his wife managed restaurants for several years and then he moved on to the construction industry. Once they became empty-nesters Charles and his wife moved to Placer County, California to be close to family where he lived for 40 years. During that time he worked and retired from the Sacramento Bee. Charles was preceded in death by his wife Myrna. He is survived by his son Randy (Julie) Denker of Roseville, California, and daughter Rhonda (Paul) Ruhkala of Rocklin, California. He had two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and five step-great-grandchildren.