Nicholas ‘Nick’ Denman

WOOSTER — Nicholas Werner “Nick” Denman, 71, of Wooster, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2017, in Wooster.

He was born on Jan. 27, 1946, in Rotteberg, Germany, and immigrated to the United States when he was 5 years old. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17, where he valiantly served his country for five years, earning a silver and two bronze stars for acts of bravery during his tour in Vietnam in 1966.

He remained a proud member of the First Calvary Division and the 1-37th Armor Division. He recently learned that he will be inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor in May 2018.

In 1967, he walked into Timken Mercy Medical Hospital in Canton and found the love of his life, Barbara Schiltz, whom he married on Oct. 12, 1968. Nick and Barb had four children and four grandchildren.

Nick’s life was all about his family, whom he loved to help with countless home projects and with whom he shared his wisdom, dreams and life lessons.

Nick served as a Canton police officer for five years, during which time he attended and graduated from Kent State University in 1974. With degree in hand, Nick joined Nationwide Insurance Co., starting in claims and later moving the Denman family to Wooster in 1983 for an opportunity to own a Nationwide Insurance Agency in Shreve.

For the next 24 years, he built a successful business by caring for each and every one of his customers on a personal level. Nick was a life long learner, earning many professional certifications throughout his career, including the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He contributed his time and talents to many organizations throughout his life.

Nick’s favorite hobby was photography, making sure there was never an empty spot on the wall of photos of God’s creations from Barb and Nick’s travels around the world. In retirement, he also added woodworking, creating beautiful pieces for his home and children. He also enjoyed gardening and cooking, preparing wonderful meals for his family and friends.

Nick will greatly be missed by his loving wife Barb of 49 years; children, Stephen (Rishanna) Denman and Lara Denman Stiltner, both of Columbus, Shawn (Jessikka) Denman of Clarksburg, Massachusetts, and Nicole (Sean) Duff of Seattle, Wash.; and grandchildren, Cara, Clayton, Zachary and Graysen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wooster, with the Rev. Father Stephen Moran officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass. Military rites will then conclude following the Mass at the church.

A luncheon for family and friends will take place immediately in the church fellowship hall.

Private interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., at the convenience of the family.

Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is serving the family. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.custerglenn.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (vvmf.org), 1235 S. Clark St., Suite 910, Arlington, VA 22202; or The Magic Foundation (magicfoundation.org), 4200 Cantera Drive, No. 106, Warrenville, IL 60555.