Denis was born on November 23, 1959, in Alliance, Nebraska. In his early years, Denis loved to spend time outdoors, pretending to be an Olympian track star or Army soldier. Throughout school and young adulthood, he became an incredible football player and loved to tinker with cars, and lift weights. Following graduation in 1978, from Alliance High School, Denis married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Jodi Lynn Hart, on October 14, 1979. Together they had a daughter, Tara, and a son, Travis. He gained two sons, Sean (Tara) and Steven (Travis) when their children married. If you spoke to Denis for any amount of time, you quickly learned that he adored his family and was especially the proud Papa of his two granddaughters, Cora and Maya. They were the brightest spot of his life.
Denis and Jodi made their home in Alliance while Denis worked at BNSF for nearly 42 years until his retirement in November of 2019. Immediately following retirement, they moved to Lincoln to be closer to their granddaughters. They attended many of their activities and always cherished any time together. Papa was always the girls’ top choice to play Barbies, school, coloring, slip-n-slide, games, or any other magical adventure they came up with. Everything was more fun with Papa.
Throughout their marriage, Denis and Jodi enjoyed countless vacations, with the Black Hills, Germany and Scotland being a few of their favorite destinations. While they often traveled just the two of them, they always loved it when their family joined them. Throughout his life, Denis loved spending time on the golf course, fishing, perfecting their beautiful yard, countless home improvement projects, Bible studies, relaxing outdoors, reading, and cheering on the Huskers.
Denis touched many lives with his profound warmth, patience, and calm demeanor. He had a way of making those around him feel at ease, safe, and loved. Following Denis’ baptism in the mid-90’s, he dedicated his life to the Lord. Denis loved to share and study God’s word, but most importantly, he loved like Jesus.
Denis is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jodi of Lincoln; his daughter, Tara (Sean) Johnson of Lincoln; his son, Travis (Steven) Higgins-Prelle of Denver; his granddaughters, Cora and Maya Johnson of Lincoln; mother-in-law, Darla Hart; father-in-law, Richard Hart; aunt, Ardis Peterson; siblings: Lorene Farrington, Diana Houser, Byron Prelle, Larry (Marshia) Prelle, Fran Grooms, Doug (Dawn) Prelle, Clista Prelle-Tworek, Michael (Susan) Prelle; sister-in-law, Cheryl Hart; and brother-in-law, Doug (Debbie) Hart. He was also survived by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and incredible friends.
Denis is proceeded in death by his parents, Loren and Mildred Prelle; brother Art Prelle; sister Nancy Danielson; and sister-in-law Lana Flood.
A celebration of life will be held in Alliance, Nebraska, at Evangelical Free Church on Saturday, November 29th at 2pm. The family plans to have a light meal following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to them at PO Box 6729, Lincoln, NE, 68506, for future designation to prostate cancer research.