Denny Diffenderfer, 70, of Flagstaff, died April 26, 2010. He was born November 7, 1939, in Anderson, Ind. to Bruce and Bethel Diffenderfer.
He grew up in the Poneto, Indiana area. After graduation, Denny served in the U.S. Air Force and upon completion moved to Fort Wayne, Ind. and started his long career in the auto body industry as a bodyman and later in management, working for various auto dealerships in Fort Wayne. After moving to Flagstaff in 1976, he worked for Tyrrell Chevrolet, McCoy Motors, and Jim Babbitt Ford. In 1990, he opened Competition Collision Center.
In 1975, Denny met the love of his life and soul mate, Regina Brewer Stevens, and they married May 10, 1983. Although they didn’t have children together, Regi played an important role in the lives of his children. The years have rolled out a carpet of memories for our hearts to walk on. All endings are beginnings, but we just don’t know it at the time.
Denny will be remembered as a man who lived life to its fullest. He loved fast cars, motorcycles, the outdoors, and collecting just about anything and everything. He never met a stranger. His kind, generous, and cheerful nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Denny is survived by his wife, Regi, sons Bruce and Brian, daughters Beth (Tom) Tigges, and Michelle; step-children Chris (Annette) Fox, Linda (Chris) Koehler and Sheila (Nick) Forbing; 9 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great grandchildren; brother Robert (Irene) and sister Arlene (John) Clester; and an extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-son Mike Fox, and 2 grandchildren.
In remembrance of Denny, there will be a Celebration of Life service for family and friends on Monday, May 3, at 11:00 am at the Lamb of God Bible Church, 2615 E. 7th Avenue in Flagstaff. Immediately following the Celebration of Life service, the family invites you to join them for refreshments and fellowship.
