Dennis Frank Johnson

Dr. Dennis (Denny) Frank Johnson, 80 of Littleton, Colorado, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021, with his wife by his side. He was the second son born on May 17, 1940, in Denver, Colorado to Marvin O. and F. Sylvia Johnson. His father was also a Denver native.

We have so many wonderful memories of Denny that will be cherished forever.

Denny grew up in Englewood. In his youth and along with his older brother, he became a member of the Highlander Boys Organization which was located in Denver. The members were from all over the Denver area and the organization emphasized military discipline. They would participate in marching drills and competitions all over Denver.

As he got older and worked his way up in this organization, he commanded younger boys in his unit and competed against other units. Their training included showing respect, commitment, courtesy, and loyalty to others. The organization was a big part of his life growing up until he was a senior in high school. The leadership skills he learned carried forward as he became an adult. Growing up, he also learned to play the accordion, finding out that he was musically inclined and had a natural gift.

Denny graduated from Englewood High School in 1958. He went on to college at CU-Denver majoring in Engineering. It was not his cup of tea at the time, so he dropped out in 1960 and went to work at Martin Marietta becoming a drafting assistant. He was totally interested in his 1939 Ford more than anything so this gave him time to work on it. He rebuilt the engine and became a drag racer down at Continental Divide Raceways.

He met Velda his future wife in 1962 and they married in 1965. They were married for 55 years. He served in the 6-month army reserves in Missouri in 1963. In 1966, he decided to go back to school this time taking pre-dental classes. He pursued Dental School at the University of Nebraska and graduated in 1972 returning to Denver as an associate with 3 other dentists. He built this practice with a lot of friends and by word of mouth. He was so conscientious, meticulous, and a perfectionist when working with his patients. In 1976, he opened his own practice in south Denver and continued working for 29 years. He retired from dental practice in 2005.

After retiring, he turned his 1939 Ford into a Street Rod completing a full restoration and adding a new chassis, new engine and all new interior. He’s always been a car guy and was very good at restoring older model cars. He also had a 1931 Buick and 1976 Trans Am.

Denny always enjoyed spending time with his friends, his immediate family and the extended family. He was very kind, affectionate, and had a great sense of humor. He liked to joke and laugh with others always ready to have a good time. Denny was quite the sports buff – golfing, skiing, playing tennis, and riding bikes.

Denny is survived by his loving wife Velda, his older brother Marvin P. Johnson (Judy), his younger sister Beverly A. Visnic (George), and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.