Donald R. Denten, 74, of Moline and formerly of Rock Island, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2015 at his home surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island. Donations can be made in Don's memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline.

Don was born September 13, 1940 in Chicago, a son of Francis and Irene Zdeb Denten. He married Margaret Mary Miller on November 22, 1962 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.

Don graduated from St. Ambrose University in 1961 with a B.A. in History and served as Vice-President of his senior class. He went on to earn his Master's Degree in Education Administration from the University of Iowa in 1967. Prior to earning his Master's Degree, he taught at DePaul Academy in Chicago. Mr. "D" as he was known to all, started his career locally as a 5th and 6th grade teacher and Administrative Assistant at Blackhawk School on Big Island. He continued his career as Assistant Principal and Boy's Counselor at Edison Junior High. Moving forward he enjoyed his position as Principal of Grant Elementary, where he remained for 13 years. Mr. Denten was the youngest Principal to have been hired by the Rock Island School District and ended his esteemed career at Denkmann Elementary School as an intermediate social studies teacher. He retired in 1993.

Don is survived by a family who meant the world to him, his loving wife of 52 years, Margie; son, Matthew (Karyn); daughter, Coleen (Jimmie); grandchildren, Annie (Matthew's daughter), Noah (Matthew's son) and Kaylanni (Coleen's daughter); great-granddaughter, La'el Margaret (Kaylanni's daughter); and very close family friends, Dale and Tony Huntley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Irene Denten; brother, David Denten; and sister, Diane Jenz.

As a Die-Hard Cub fan, Don held out as long as he could for a Cub's World Championship. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Moline and the Illinois Retired Teachers. He was a former member of the Principal's Association and Rock Island Moose.

Mr. D touched the lives of many students, their families and his friends within the community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.