James Dennis “Denny” Farrenkopf, aged 84, passed away on September 7, 2024, in Excelsior Springs, MO. Born on December 25, 1939, in Granite City, IL, he was a devoted family man.
Denny dedicated his professional life to developing young minds as a guidance counselor at Lewis Middle School and later at Westview Elementary School in Excelsior Springs. His commitment to education was paralleled by his service in the Missouri National Guard from 1963-1968.
Denny’s personal joys included camping, visiting Yellowstone National Park dozens of times, fly fishing, squirrel hunting, and supporting his favorite sports teams, the Royals and Chiefs. He was a parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church. Most of all, he loved being at home with Jane.
Denny is survived by his loving wife, Emma Jane (Paisley) Farrenkopf; daughters, Lisa Ballenger (Jasen) and Janet Anderson (Tim); and grandchildren, Eli Bolding, Kelly Anderson, and Maggie Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Lisac) and James Edward Farrenkopf, and his sisters, infant Helen M. Farrenkopf, Rita Schrock and Joanie Cochran.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church with interment following at Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, MO. Contributions in Denny’s memory may be made to Excelsior Springs Hospital Hospice at 1010 N. Jesse James Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.
Our Sincere Condolences
My deepest condolences to all of you. I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Farrenkopf. Sending all of you love. May you find support through love for one another.
Goli Mostoufi-Moab
Denny was a true gentleman. He was always willing to help using his loving heart. Our wishes are with your family!
Ron and Jill Huettenmueller
From our college days together and long after, Denny and I shared a rare and wonderful friendship. You could. not find a more kind, caring, giving, and true friend. He is simply a rare bred of friend. Though we were far apart after college we seldom got together, our friendship and communication never diminished. He was great friend indeed. I miss him big-time.
Tim Joseph
Mr. Farrenkopf was the counselor at Lewis MS when I attended in the 70’s. I was a nightmare of a pre-teen, emotional, loud, and dramatic, basically a walking time bomb of hormones. He was incredibly kind, patient and understanding when many of the teachers there were not. I’m not usually one who gets emotional at someone’s passing who I haven’t thought about in the last 50 years but I cried a little to hear of his passing. I will always remember him fondly.
Mr. Farrenkopf was my counselor at Lewis Middle School, and I often would think about him after leaving Excelsior, he stood up for me when I needed someone to and guide me in the direction I needed to go, I will never forget him. He was a very positive influence in my life. I pray for your family and thank you Mr. Farrenkopf you’re the man! God Bless.
Michael Beckwith
