Key Takeaways
- Garry Denk passed away after a long battle with cancer; his untimely d*ath has left a profound void in the lives of his loved ones.
- He is a former gymnast and won several international championships while playing for the USA team.
- His parents, Gerry and Julie, his wife Erin, his three children, Lily, Sarah, and Brennen, and the whole family are left to cherish his life.
Garry Denk, a native of Northbrook, Illinois, and former athlete, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the age of 52, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
According to his GoFundMe page, Garry Denk passed away after a courageous and entirely too long battle with cancer.
Moreover, the untimely d*ath of beloved Northbrook native and former gymnast Garry Denk has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
One of his best friends, Jay Thornton, took to his social media to express his sorrow at the untimely d*ath of Garry Denk and recalled his memories.
The post reads:
“To know Garry was to love Garry. Garry was one of my very best friends and teammates, training and competing together so many years for Iowa Men’s Gymnastics and at United States Olympic Training Center/Colorado Springs,CO. He was a friend, a teammate, my roommate, groomsman in my wedding and just the kindest sweetest person you would ever encounter. I laughed so much with Garry and had so many fun times together with him. I love his family like my own – Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Denk were like second parents to me all my years in Iowa City when I was a thousand miles from home. My heart breaks for Erin and their kids, and all of Garry’s family and loved ones. If you are able and feel led to support his family, please do – Garry was such an amazing person and had a true heart for everyone. Love you so much Garry!”
Jay Thornton
Similarly, the whole Northbrook community mourns the tragic loss of their beloved member and extends their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Likewise, the Northbrook, Illinois, community has organized a fundraiser to financially support the late Garry Denk’s family, intending to raise $50K.
Currently, 344 donations have been received, raising approximately $43,441, 87 percent of the targeted goal.
Left to cherish his life are his parents, Gerry and Julie Denk, his wife Erin, his three children, Lily, Sarah, and Brennen, his sister Shannon, and the whole family.
Furthermore, after ending his athletic career, the late Garry Denk continued his career in the corporate field and served as the assistant vice president of LaSalle Benefits in Northbrook, Illinois, from 2019 until his last breath.
The late Garry Denk Began His Gymnastics Journey In 1978
Born on July 16, 1972, in Highland Park, Illinois, the late Garry Denk began his gymnastic journey at the age of six in 1978.
Moreover, growing up in Northbrook, Illinois, Garry Denk attended Glenbrook North High School, where he excelled in multiple sports.
After graduating from Glenbrook North High School in 1990, Garry Denk continued his Gymnastics career at the University of Iowa while pursuing his Bachelor of Science and Health Promotion degree.
Furthermore, with his exceptional gymnastic skills and dedication to sports, the late Garry went on to train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
He spent seven years (1991-1999) on the U.S. Senior National Team and represented the United States in numerous international competitions.
Garry’s international achievements include helping Team USA secure first place at the 1998 International Team Championships in Knoxville and the 1997 International Team Championships in Cincinnati.
Garry Denk also competed in the 1996 Senior Pacific Alliance in Malaysia, placing 4th with the team and 4th in floor exercise, and the 1996 Individual Event World Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In 1990, he contributed to Team USA’s first-place finish in a meet against Canada held in Prince Edward Island.
Nationally, Denk had an impressive record as well. He placed 3rd on rings and 6th on parallel bars at the 1999 Winter Cup Challenge in Las Vegas.
Similarly, at the 1998 John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships, he finished 11th all-around and 6th on parallel bars.
At Houston’s 1998 Winter Cup Challenge, he was an all-around qualifier and placed 4th on parallel bars.
In 1997, he took 8th all-around and 7th on still rings at the John Hancock Championships and finished 6th all-around at the Winter Cup Challenge in Battle Creek.
Following his competitive career, Denk dedicated over 30 years to coaching gymnastics.
Garry coached for over 15 years at Glenbrook North High School, spent a year with Niles North, and coached for 20 years at AAG Northbrook (formerly the Northbrook Gymnastics Training Center).
He also spent six years working with various gymnastics clubs in Colorado.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- All three kids of late Garry Denk are exceptional athletes. His daughters, Sarah and Lily Denk, played soccer at Glenbrook North High School, and his son, Brennen, plays basketball.
- The late Garry Denk worked as a benefits consultant for League Inc. and as an Account Executive at GCG Financial LLC.
- His father is a former Owner of Northbrook Gymnastics Training Center.
