Bethel Lynn Dencker

Bethel Lynn Dencker, age 66, of Rhinelander, died on Jan. 2, 2024, at the Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. She was born on May 29, 1957, in Deadwood, S.D., the daughter of David and Arlene (Bremer) Kock. Bethel moved to Rhinelander at an early age when her dad accepted a call to serve the Zion Lutheran Church. She attended elementary school at Zion and then graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1975. She then attended Dr. Martin Luther College and graduated with a teaching degree with a minor in music. She taught school in Hubertus for a short time before returning to Rhinelander where she has lived since. She married Gary Dencker on June 27, 1981 in Rhinelander. Bethel was employed by M & I Bank in Rhinelander for a number of years and also provided in home childcare for many years.

Bethel was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinelander since she was a child. She was an accomplished organist and served the church in that capacity until her health prevented her from continuing. Zion was Bethel's home and it's members were her “family”. Her Dad served Zion as their Pastor for over 30 years and Bethel served the congregation in many ways throughout her life beyond her playing the organ.

Bethel is survived by her husband Gary, her sons Nathaniel (Sarah) and Andrew (Kelsey), her grandchildren Benjamin, Paige and Isabelle, her sisters Betty (Russ) Kube and Ruth (James) Stein, her brothers Timothy (Mary) Koch and Theo (Gail) Kock, nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation for Bethel will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m. with funeral services following at 11 a.m., all at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Reverend Karl Schultz will be officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Northland Memorial Park Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Dencker family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the family.