Del Quenzer
April 24, 2024
Delwin Eugene Quenzer, devoted son of John Eugene and Ruby Marie Quenzer and beloved husband of 45 years to Marla Quenzer, passed away on April 24, 2024, at the age of 67.
After growing up in Sacramento, California, Del and his family relocated to Texas where he went to college and met Marla; they were married at Northwest Bible Church in 1979.
Del earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas at Dallas Southwestern University in June of 1980, graduating at the top of his class and entering into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. His training would take the family to many places, and Del and Marla welcomed their four children along the way. They first moved to Ann Arbor for Del’s General Surgery residency at the University of Michigan, where he and Marla had their son John. Following their time there, they moved to Alpena, Michigan, where Del worked as a physician in the Emergency Department. There, they welcomed their daughter Sarah, and they also were active with starting a new church. Del completed his orthopedic residency training at Indiana University, and during this time, Heidi was born. Del’s training took them next to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. During Del’s fellowship in hand surgery, Del and Marla had their youngest, Natalie.
Once his professional training was complete, Del joined Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons (DMOS) in Des Moines, Iowa, where he became known not only for his excellence but also for his compassion and wonderful personality. He was known for treating every person with grace, empathy, and attention to detail. Del always wanted to hear each person’s story, not just treat their injuries. Professionally, Del was well regarded by his colleagues. He enjoyed his time as President of DMOS, shepherding the group through major decisions for seven years. He completed his board certification in orthopedics in 1991. He was a Board Certified Independent Medical Examiner, as well as a lifetime member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He is remembered for leading by example, using words when necessary.
When not working, Del could be found spending quality time with his entire family. Del was trained as a physician, but his most important identity was centered on his strong faith. As a Christian, he and Marla were actively involved in their church community; they prayed together daily as a couple. Del was attentive and caring, involved in the lives of his parents, his sister, his children, and his nieces and nephews. He was a devoted and loving husband. He was very social and enjoyed hosting gatherings whether it be for his son’s baseball team, his daughters’ friends, a school fundraiser, or a group from church. He loved to be with people and had an amazing ability to care for others. Although the family lives in different parts of the country, Del regularly called his parents, children, and sister and visited with them throughout the years. His desire was for each person to know his and Marla’s love for them.
Del was an avid reader and a natural teacher who loved to share what he learned with others. His home was often filled with music, laughter, and newfound knowledge on many topics. Del often brought out the best in all of those around him. He spent time golfing with friends and supporting Marla’s and the girls’ love of horses. He enjoyed cooking, and when visiting his new grandchildren, Del would fill the freezer with meals. He pushed himself when cycling, one of his greatest passions. His discipline and physical training allowed him to complete many endurance bike rides including TOMRV in Iowa, multiple Bike MS 150 rides, and most notably Triple Bypass in Colorado. Del enjoyed traveling, playing the piano by ear, chatting with neighbors and friends.
In 2013, Del was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which led to his early retirement from his medical career. He and Marla spent eight years in Florida, and in 2022, they relocated to Littleton, Colorado to be closer to family. These years were full of wonderful memories.
Del is survived by his mother Ruby, his sister Nancy (Stan VanDenBerg), his wife Marla, and their four children; John (Faith), Sarah (David Kornmann), Heidi (Patrick Bowman), Natalie (Dane Sorensen), and honorary daughter Katie Rockey. Del and Marla have enjoyed time together with their ten grandchildren (Daniel, Elizabeth, Alex, Ali, Laurie, Mandy, Avery, Ellie, Ruby, and Shepherd), and his nieces and nephews (Josh, Hannah, James, and Gabbie).
Del’s Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 3rd, 2024
2 pm
Littleton Bible Chapel
6023 S Datura St
Littleton, CO 80120
We will have a celebration of life to honor Del, followed by a reception. Join us for fellowship and to share memories. There will also be an online option for those who are unable to travel.
Make a Donation in Honor of Del
The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the National MS Society or the charity of your choice.
