Lester Andrew Denninger Jr.

Lester Andrew Denninger Jr., 55, of Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, passed away unexpectedly on January 30, 2026.

Les was born on September 4, 1970, in Granite City, Illinois, to Lester Denninger Sr. and Pam Hollen-Spates. He left Illinois when he graduated high school and followed Route 66 to his next home in Las Cruces. He went on to work as a sheet metal fabricator with Kelly Fabrication and later as an HVAC foreman with Enoch Mechanical for several decades, where he was known for his hard work and no-nonsense dependability. He also taught classes at Doña Ana Community College and often joked about never going to college himself, yet teaching college classes. Les ultimately found his way to the last place he called home—what he fondly referred to as God's Country—where he resided until his untimely death.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Les found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. He loved his football team (Go Bears), creating metal art, early morning fishing trips, off-roading in the RZR, winter snowmobiling, or just relaxing in front of the TV. Friends remember him as funny, dependable, and quietly kind. There was not a single soul that disliked him, as he was truly a friend to all.

Les is survived by his wife, April Denninger and his parents, Lester Sr. (Darlene, Pam (Mark), as well as stepmother Linda. He is also survived by his bonus children, Audrey, Otto, Jakob, Marcus, and Carol and grandchildren, Delilah, Sophia, Jacob, Tula, and Jayce. He also leaves behind his siblings, Starr, Marshall, Chad, and Billy as well as his chosen brothers John Paul, Bob, Justin, and Luis

A celebration of life will be held on February 21, 2026, at 4:00 pm at his place of residence in what he called God's Country. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that everyone bring a dish Les loved and dress in Chicago Bears or camping gear. In remembrance of Les, let us carry forward his compassionate, funny, and loving spirit, so that his soul may live on through each and every one of us.

Les will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him —always and forever.