Denise Kathleen Guck

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the many people whose lives she touched.

Denise was the devoted wife of Steve Guck, who survived her. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendship, love, and countless memories.

Denise was a loving mother to her six children: Eric Guck and wife Lyly; Nick Mendoza and wife Natalie; Adam Guck and wife Sarah; Whitney Wolf and husband Josh; Mario Mendoza and wife Natalie; and Jonathan Mendoza and girlfriend Taylor. She was also a cherished grandmother to eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her family was one of the greatest sources of happiness in her life, and she treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by them.

She is also survived by her siblings, Cheryl Kroll, Dennis Kroll, and Lynette Kroll, as well as her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Nadine Mudgett, John Guck, Mary Schoenfeld, Laurelle McDannel, and Julie Goebel.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Jerome and Mavis (Franks) Kroll, and her brother-in-law, Fred Balsley.

A longtime resident of Gateway, Denise found joy in the simple things that made life beautiful. She loved gardening and could spend hours tending to the things she grew, finding peace and happiness in watching something she cared for take root and flourish. Her garden was more than a pastime—it was a reflection of her patience, creativity, and appreciation for the little things in life.

Denise also loved spending time with family and friends, browsing through thrift stores, and working with clay. Her creativity eventually grew into a ceramic business of her own, giving her another way to turn something ordinary into something special. She had a way of finding enjoyment in the everyday and making memories out of the simplest moments.

She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved pets, Skippy, her dog, and George, her cat, both of whom she cherished dearly.

To each person who knew Denise, she may have been remembered for something a little different—a laugh, a conversation, a shared afternoon, something she created, something she grew, or simply the comfort of having her nearby. She was uniquely herself, and that is what made her so special.

Denise will be remembered for the love she gave her family, the friendships she treasured, her creativity, her love of gardening, and the countless little moments that made her life her own. Her memory will live on through her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, siblings, extended family, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Her absence will be felt in the quiet moments—in family gatherings where someone expects to see her, in the garden she loved, in the places she enjoyed visiting, and in all the little things that unexpectedly bring her back to mind.

Though she is no longer here to share those moments, the love she gave and the memories she created remain. In the lives of those who loved her, Denise will always have a place.