Reverend John Cornelius Deken, eldest child of the late Cornelius John and Loretta Frances Deken, asleep in Christ Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at age 78.
Beloved brother of Joseph Deken, the late Ann Deken, James Deken (Paula), Jerome Deken (Monica), Mary Fran Pereira (Grig), Jean Marie Deken (Jim Reed), Jane Maxfield, Joan Pisoni (Michael), the late Jude V. Deken, Janet Deken, Thomas Deken, Fran Pipitone (James), Beth Stolarski (John), and Damian Deken. Dear brother-in-law of the late Judy Deken, as well as Gerry Deken, Anna Miller, and the late Rev. Dale A. Maxfield; nephew, cousin, friend, and beloved uncle of 40 nieces and nephews.
Father Deken was ordained to the priesthood in 1972 and served in a number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. He volunteered as a police chaplain, first for Saint Louis County and then for University City. In 1981, he accepted a commission in the United States Army and served as a chaplain at numerous domestic and international duty stations. When he retired from the military in 1997, Father returned to service in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. In addition to his dedicated life as a pastor, he took time to provide support and spiritual guidance to organizations such as the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus (in which he was a Fourth Degree Knight).
Visitation was from 3PM-7PM on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the Assumption Parish New Haven Senior Center, 603 Miller St., New Haven, MO 63068.
The Funeral Mass was at 10AM on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Assumption Church, 603 Miller St., New Haven, MO 63068.
Internment was at 2PM on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Valle Springs Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Backstoppers, The Gary Sinise Foundation, or your local Knights of Columbus council.
