Dennis Patrick O'Rourke

Denny, as he was more affectionately known, was born in Sleepy Eye, MN on May 16th, 1944. He attended high school both in Waseca, MN and in Santa Clara, CA. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for 4 years. He served one tour in Vietnam aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Bonhomme Richard. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, he married Margaret Ann (“Margo”) Kruger O’Rourke on July 17, 1965.

Denny owned and operated an auto body shop in Waseca, MN until 1984 when he and Margo moved to Mesa, AZ where they have lived for the past 36 years. He continued his career as an auto body technician in the Phoenix area until his retirement in 2009.

Denny was an active member of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Gilbert, AZ for over 30 years. He served on many committees over the years, even serving as Council President. He sang in the SOJ Choir and sang in and played the guitar in the SOJ Praise Band which he enjoyed very much. Denny was also active in the Lutheran Cursillo Movement of Arizona. He served on many Cursillo weekends over the years. In his spare time, he loved hunting, fishing, boating, restoring old vehicles, playing the guitar and being Jesus’ hands and feet to everyone he met.

Besides his wife, Margo, Denny is survived by: two sons, Sean Michael O’Rourke (Kimberlie) from Tucson, AZ and Brian Patrick O’Rourke (Peggy) from Cave Creek, AZ; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters and one brother. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother.

Funeral arrangements are currently pending.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send monetary contributions in Denny’s memory to Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church. https://www.spiritofjoygilbert.org/ Click on Giving/O’Rourke Memorial.