Susan Isabel

Denkler

Susan Isabel Steers Denkler
October 14, 1953 - September 23, 2026

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Susan Isabel Steers Denkler on September 23, 2026, at her home in Wright City, MO. She was born October 14, 1953 to John Clark "Jack" and Freda May Steers in Hannibal, MO. Susan graduated in the top of her class from Hannibal High School in 1970. She then attended Hannibal-Lagrange Baptist College for 2 years before transferring to University of Missouri "MU" in Columbia, MO. She graduated from MU with a degree in Journalism in 1975 and began working as a journalist for the Hannibal Courier Post winning several regional and national awards for her work. She also taught journalism and led public relations at Hannibal-Lagrange Baptist College. Later in life she wrote for the Cattleman's Advocate newspaper. She greatly enjoyed investigative journalism.

Susan met James "Richard" Denkler during her junior year of high school, and they dated until marrying on November 30, 1975. They shared over 50 years of loving marriage. Richard survives her, along with their two children, Jennifer Susan Denkler-DeMaio and John Landon Denkler.

Susan is also survived by nine grandchildren: David Denkler, Brody Denkler, Liam Denkler, Bentley Winemiller, Chandon Winemiller, Lucy Denkler, Gwen Winemiller, Jordan DeMaio, and Rocco DeMaio.

She is survived as well by her brother- in- law, Vance Baugher, nephew, Greg Baugher, and niece, Laura Cox, sister -in- law, Joyce Stone, brother -in- law, Chuck Stone, along with their children, Charles, Carla, and Carrie; brother -in- law, Bill Denkler (Debbie); and their son Troy Denkler; her sister- in- law, Jan DeSmith; and her daughter Eryn.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Freda Steers; her sister, Jackie Baugher; and one granddaughter, Jessah DeMaio. Susan was a woman of great faith in Jesus Christ and used her biblical studies and knowledge to spread the Faith through churches and bible studies. She was heavily involved in church planting and growth, the charismatic movement, revivals, marches of life, volunteered with the Salvation Army and often used her platform as a journalist to spread God's Word. She was a beautiful pianist who used her talent to provide worship music in church.

Susan deeply enjoyed spending time with family, vacations to the lake, boating, skiing when she was younger, and fall leaves changing color right around her birthday each year. Later in life she enjoyed traveling with Richard in their camper to visit family and see new places. She was and avid genealogical investigator, creating a very large family tree dating back to the 1700's.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00AM-11:00AM at the Wright City Community Church of the Nazarene, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00AM. Susan will be laid to rest with a graveside service at the Wright City Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers are welcome to the Wright City Community Church of the Nazarene c/o Martin Funeral Home, 510 East Main Street, Warrenton, MO 63383 and /or Barnes Jewish Hospice Care at https://www.bjchospice.org/donate. Online condolences may be made at martinfunerals.net.