Dennis Denning, longtime Marymount Theatre director, dies

From the Salina Journal

Dennis Denning, 86, died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015. He was born July 20, 1928, in Emmeram, the son of John and Margaret (Dreiling) Denning.

A lifetime educator in theater, he taught nine years in Kansas secondary schools, and from 1961 to 1968 he headed the theater program at Kansas State University. From 1968 to 1989 he chaired the Theatre and Fine Arts division at Marymount College, in Salina, where he directed or supervised more than 100 performances. He maintained lifetime friendships with many of his former students and was very proud of their many accomplishments. After he retired, he was inducted into the Kansas Theatre Hall of Fame.

Dennis is preceded in death by his first wife, Alice (Needels) Denning (in 1999); his son, Bruce; and his 12 brothers and sisters, Cyril, Arthur, Stella, Raphael, Max, Alberta, Zita, Ralph, Armella, Ida, Adlore and Carroll Denning.

He is survived by his wife, Janet (Dodge) Denning, of the home; and his son, Gary Denning (Jan), and daughter, Cindy Curry, all of Salina; stepchildren; Jill Puetz (Ken), Jay Johnson (Lisa), and Kappy Park (Scott); grandchildren, David (Sarah) Denning, Cathy Denning and Patrick and Emma Curry; and stepgrandchildren, Justine Johnson, Jason Johnson, Jackie Johnson, Maggie Matteson, Mark Matteson, Karoline Park and Major Park.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Private interment of his remains will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Salina. Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Monday evening, Jan. 26, at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Sisters of St. Joseph or Emporia State Theater Department.

To make a donation in Dr. Denning’s memory to the Sisters of St Joseph, click on the button below:

For more information or condolences, please visit www.ryanmortuary.com.