Frederick J. Dennhardt

Even though he passed unexpectedly, we were consoled that he passed peacefully at his residence in Davenport, Iowa. To honor Frederick’s memory, visitation will be at The Runge Mortuary and Crematory in Davenport on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 10:00AM- 12:00 PM with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorials to his loving wife, Betty Dennhardt.

On June 19, 1937, Frederick was born in Princeton, Iowa and lived most of his life in Davenport. While attending Davenport High School he excelled in track events and during his senior year of 1955, he joined the Naval Reserves until he was honorably discharged on July 4, 1963. In 1956 he met his first and only love, Betty JoAnn Barker whom he married at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Davenport on November 22, 1958, beginning their 65-year journey together.

He began working at an early age stuffing newspapers for The Quad-City Times while working for American Optical and mowing lawns. His professional career started in 1966 at Alcoa (currently Arconic) where he retired as a Maintenance Oiler after 30 years on May 31, 1996.

He had a kind and gentle spirit, one that was loved and admired by many. He didn’t talk much about himself, but always showed enthusiasm hearing about others. He loved and admired all of us, showed continued support, and was our biggest fan when it came to sports. Most of all, he illustrated the power of unconditional love through his long-standing commitment to his wife and family. He was a simple man. He prayed silently before eating, loved to tell jokes, and watch traditional western films. Although he never owned a cell phone and infrequently made calls, he delighted in spontaneously appearing at our front doors. The depth of love and happiness he shared will forever remain in our hearts.

Frederick’s loving spirit is carried on by his wife Betty; their children Lorie (Vi Ahomana) Crosbie and Christina Smith; grandchildren, Candace (Matthew) Petersen, Caleb (Marina Gatinho-) Crosbie, Joshua Crosbie, Heather (Brian) Stichter, and Michael (Megan) Smith; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Sophia, Dylan, Gabbi, Noah, Levi, Aiden, and Carson; siblings, Sherry Burmeister and David Dennhardt; nieces, Rebecca (Michael) Russell, Elizabeth (Spencer) Rushin, Kimberly (David) Shibata, Theresa Housley, and Sally (Steven) Wood; nephews, Matthew (Eleanor) Burmeister, John (Jennifer) Dennhardt, and Joseph Dennhardt; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceding him in peace were his parents Alvin and Grace, his brother, Robert, sister Gladys, and all aunts and uncles.