Kirk Endres Denkler

Kirk E. Denkler

Kirk Endres Denkler, 69, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away early morning on September 16, 2024 in Arlington.

Kirk was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to John Markwell Denkler and Audrey Midgett Denkler on October 19, 1954. As part of a Navy family, he and his family lived in many places around the world, but Kirk spent the majority of his childhood and adulthood in Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from T.C. Williams High School and then later earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in history as well as a master’s degree in geobiology from GWU.

Kirk worked as a palaeontologic technician and research geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey conducting fieldwork and authoring several scientific papers. In 1988, Kirk became a deputy editor at Time Warner where he managed, wrote and edited multiple history and science series including Voyage through the Universe, Voices of the Civil War, The American Indian, Secrets of the Century, and The Third Reich. He later worked for Discovery Communications as an interactive executive producer researching, writing, and producing online content for many top-performing Discovery Channel websites. He especially enjoyed his relationship with the “Storm Chasers”, and they (as did many of the shows’ stars) appreciated his immense knowledge across many fields, his scientific enthusiasm and his creative contributions. The many awards and honors he received for his work there included CableFAX Best of the Web Award for Best Supplemental Web content, 2009; Webby Award: People’s Voice Winner in Online Film & Video - Best Editing, 2009. Conversations with Kirk were always expansive and could include any number of subjects: from the lineage of the Roman Emperors to the history of the middle Americas, from Silurian-Devonian conodonts to sciences of genetics, and from 80’s punk culture to his favorite Blue Rider painters. His stories never lacked passion, enthusiasm or humor.

Kirk was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria serving multiple roles over the years, including acolyte mentor. He coached elementary and middle school soccer and refereed for his favorite sport through the years.

After retiring in 2016, Kirk moved to Woodstock, Virginia, where he continued his volunteer work with many local history organizations, and enjoyed his favorite pastimes: fossil-hunting, hiking, and wandering Civil War battlefields. He often shared his passion for history and his expertise through lectures and other gatherings. He also served as senior warden for the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. He moved back to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 to be closer to family and friends.

Kirk is preceded in death by his parents, John and Audrey Denkler, his brother, Gregory Markwell Denkler, and his sister-in-law, Kathy Rhodes Denkler. Kirk is survived by his children William Greer Denkler of Sewanee, TN, Lydia Denkler Perrin (Mike) of Nashville, and Katherine Denkler White (Michael) of Alexandria, and his three grandchildren: Liam Miles White, Logan Woods White and Margot Marie Perrin.

He leaves behind his companion, Thora Colot, and his siblings John Michael Denkler(Kathy) of Pensacola, FL, Mary Denkler Schoof (Rick) of Fairfax, Ann Elizabeth Denkler (James) of Arlington, Jean Marie Denkler (Roberto) of Alexandria, and sister-in-law, Melissa Matheny Denkler (Gregory) of Arlington. He is also survived by nine nieces and nephews.

Memorial services and reception will be held October 8th, 2024 at 5 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Kirk’s ashes will be interred at a later date.