Donald "Don" A. Denkinger, 86, of Cedar Falls, IA died Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, IA. He was born August 28, 1936 in Cedar Falls, the son of Anton and Marie Hay Denkinger. Don graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1954 and attended Wartburg College in Waverly. After three years of college Don entered the Army for two years, and then attended and graduated first in his class from Al Somers Umpire School.

He married Gayle Price November 24, 1962 in Humboldt, IA.

Don was a former Major League Baseball Umpire whose 30-year career in the American League spanned from 1969 – 1998. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls. He was a devoted Rotarian in Waterloo and Sun Lakes, AZ. Don enjoyed many summer days golfing at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo with his friends, and also enjoyed golfing with friends in Sun Lakes during the winter months. He was an avid sports fan; his great love was watching and attending University of Iowa football games and University of Northern Iowa basketball games with his friends. Traveling with his beloved wife of 60 years, visiting friends in the baseball community, and spending time with his grandchildren rounded out his very full and richly fulfilling life.

Don is survived by: wife, Gayle Denkinger, Cedar Falls; daughter, Darcel (Timm) Nikolajsen, Denmark; daughter, Denise (Tony) Hanson, Cedar Falls; daughter, Dana (Mike) Kelly, Downers Grove, IL; grandchildren, Ryan, Aubrey, Maggie, Aden, and Lee; step-grandchildren, Jeff and Michael; step-great grandchild, Lyle; brother, Tony (Dodie) Denkinger, Johnstonm IA; sister, Linda Parrott, Cedar Falls; and many family and friends.

Don is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Helene Bergman and Marian Denkinger; brother, Bill Denkinger; and two brothers-in-law, Kenny Bergman and Tom Parrott.

Services: 11 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls.

Visitation: 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Locke at Tower Park, and a half hour prior to services on Friday at the church.

Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery-Waterloo, Waterloo. Military rites by: Army National Guard Honor Guard, Waterloo American Legion Post #138 and VFW Post #1623

Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church, Cedar Valley Hospice, UMPS CARE Charities.

Locke at Tower Park oversees arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com