Dennis "Denny" Steven Gergely

Dennis Steven Gergely, 71, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 23, 2021, at IU Health Methodist Hospital surrounded by family.

He was so proud of his loved ones, and leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Marianne (Stanley, of Knightstown); three daughters, Jill Hartman (Brian), Katie Trebley (Kyle), and Brooke Wilson; three sons, Ryan Wilson (Emily), and twins, John Gergely (Erica) and Kyle Gergely (Sara); sister, Marilyn Greeson; 13 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Ruger and Ginger.

“Denny” was born on September 22, 1949, and raised in Highland, IN, the son of Dennis and Helen Gergely. At a young age, if he was not playing sports, he was looking for work to finance his hobbies of collecting baseball cards and building model cars or military vehicles. He scraped together money by cutting grass, delivering papers, and walking kids around Wicker Park on ponies. As he entered high school, his jobs transitioned to bussing tables at “the burger joint”, Miner-Dunn, and, of course, working at the steel mill. He graduated from Highland High School in 1967.

Denny then went to Ball State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1971. He held strongly to the many cherished friendships and memories made with his brothers in the Sigma Chi Fraternity—so much so that he wore a Sigma Chi ring on his right hand every day of his adult life. He joined the National Guard after graduation amid the war in Vietnam, and meanwhile began his career as an industrial arts teacher, baseball and basketball coach, and yearbook sponsor at Lincoln Middle School and Guion Creek Middle School in Indianapolis. During these same years, he completed his Master of Science in Education degree from Indiana University (IUPUI) in 1976. After 12 years of influencing student-athletes, Denny followed his love of industrial arts and shifted into a sales career, working for a machine tool company. He worked his way up to national sales manager after several years of being awarded Salesman of the Year.

Denny loved detail and creativity, both of which were common themes in his passions of woodworking, photography, music, and sports. He would say that he was not just a woodworker, but, rather, a cabinetmaker—a distinction that includes the finer details of the wood and what one can do with it. Cabinetmakers are skilled and create high-quality furniture. He was meticulous in his craft and proud of his many creations that will continue to be treasured by his loved ones.

Denny developed an interest in photography at a young age and appreciated it as an art. His personal shots catalogued so many milestones and memories for his family. He spent many weekends shooting team and individual photos for sports leagues around town, and he even created a dark lab in his basement to develop his own film (and teach his children at the same time). He influenced several people throughout his life to practice photography as he appreciated the beauty and emotion of capturing a moment.

Regarding music, he loved the style of different musicians. He would groove to the beat of his favorite drummers, get lost in the riffs of his favorite guitarists, and fall into the emotion of deep, meaningful lyrics. While he could not play an instrument and would not sing in front of a crowd, he sure did love to dance. He had a stereo in his living room, office, and wood shop, and he treasured his huge collection of vinyl and CDs.

His passion for sports was an extension of his love of teaching. Not only did he coach during his teaching days, but he found time to coach his children during his sales career, too. He worked so hard to find unique ways to connect to each kid, and nothing pleased him more than helping a young person realize his or her potential. He grew to become a big fan of Purdue sports and was a lifelong follower of the Chicago Cubs.

Denny relished a good, authentic conversation. He showed genuine interest in those he spoke with, whether a friend or stranger. In his later years, if not in his shop, Denny could most certainly be found on his porch reading the paper or a good history book, always with a hot cup of coffee in his hand and his dogs by his side.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark (1975). A private memorial service will be held per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, please give in his name to the Humane Society of Indianapolis on N. Michigan Road (www.indyhumane.org).