12-16-2022 9:42am

John Denbow was superintendent of The Ledges Golf Course

Michael McGinnis Editor

John Denbow (1953-2022)

John Denbow, 69, of Roscoe, IL, began working for the Winnebago County golf courses when he was in high school. His passion for golf and nature led to over 50 years as a member of the U.S. Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (USGCSA) until his retirement in 2010. He helped build Atwood Golf Course but his favorite role was superintendent of The Ledges Golf Course.

John passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022 surrounded by his family on Pine Lane. His home, near Kinnikinnick School, was built by his father and filled with love.

He was born on January 8, 1953 in Beloit, WI, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Carlson) Denbow. John graduated from Hononegah High School where he met Jennifer Rund, whom he always proudly called "his beautiful bride." They were married on June 17, 1972 in Roscoe, IL.

Though John was a skilled golf course professional, his most important roles were husband, father, and "Bompa." Anyone who knew him would say he had the biggest heart, was quick with a joke, and adored his family and four grandchildren beyond measure, which he showed by all of the time spent with them. He also enjoyed music, playing pool with his sons-in-law and friends, and watching sports (especially his grandkids). A loyal Bears fan, John tried to enjoy those games as well. He was proud of his Native American heritage. He had a long line of Iroquois ancestors, some of whom even knew Buffalo Bill.

Whether it was because he was worried about being late or just excited to see those he loved, John was habitually early - a trait he carried to the very end, leaving us far too soon.

He was predeceased by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jennifer Denbow; children, Jessica (Chris) Moore, and Laura (Matt) Smith; grandchildren, Riley Smith, Taylor Smith, Carter Moore and Hadley Moore; siblings, James (Josie) Denbow, and Joyce (Bill) Prescott; several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give their sincere thanks to the amazing doctors and nurses at Beloit Memorial Hospital, Beloit Regional Hospice, Dr. Rudisill, and Victoria.

A memorial gathering for John will be held from 1 - 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI.