Dennis Lee Durrwachter

Dennis Lee Durrwachter, of Saint Peters, MO, passed away Monday, July 1, 2019 at the age of 66. Loving husband of Brenda Durrwachter; beloved son of Dorothy and the late John Durrwachter; dear son-in-law of Gladys Phelps; devoted father of Joel (Jayme) Durrwachter and Monica Combest; cherished grandfather of Blaise Durrwachter and John Lee Combest; dear brother of Robert Durrwachter, Steve (Roni) Durrwachter, Jerry (Shirley) Durrwachter, Greg (Joan) Durrwachter, Scott (Cindy) Durrwachter, and Jeff (Kelly) Durrwachter; he is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Dennis proudly served his country with honor in the United States Air Force. He was a member of American Legion Post 312, the St. Louis Paralyzed Veterans of America - Gateway Chapter, Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, and was employed with Boeing for the past 39 years. He liked watching old movies, enjoyed woodworking, and tinkering around in the garage. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Mizzou Tigers.

Dennis was also a remarkable person who taught his family how to persevere and enjoy life no matter what it throws at you. As a 20-year paraplegic (due to a small airplane accident in 1999), he refused to complain about his situation even though he had every right to.

He never allowed himself to be pitied or never fell into self-pity. His endurance, perseverance and work ethic were truly unfathomable, and were modeled to his family in ways that have permanently impacted their lives.

The irony was and is that he would emphatically deny being any type of an influencer but instead appealed to those who motivated him and gave him hope, courage and strength to not only endure, but to thrive with what he saw were the many opportunities that were possible.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis' honor to Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters or to the St. Louis Gateway Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.