Memorial

Denny Lee Silhanek, 60, of Cedar Rapids, died May 31, 2021, at the Oldorf Hospice House.  To celebrate Denny’s life, a memorial celebration will be held on June 25, 2021 at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom from 4pm to 7pm.

Denny was born on August 1, 1960, the son of Richard and Norma Silhanek.  He worked alongside his parents on the family farm outside Keystone tending to the crops and animals and loved tractors.  Following graduation from Benton Community High School, Denny was a long-haul truck driver before he joined Altorfer Power Systems CAT as a valuable member of the Cedar Rapids technician team in 1990 where he in began as a truck shop mechanic.

 Over the years, Denny honed his mechanical and electrical skills progressing to a field service position.  Denny was a valuable resource, constantly being utilized with difficult start-ups and technically challenging applications.  He was a meticulous technician, mentor and supporter to young technicians coming into the engine division.

Denny is survived by his father, Richard of Keystone, IA, and his sisters Linda Chase (Steve) Columbus, OH, and Carol Larson (Sven) Cedar Rapids, IA, nieces and nephews Ryan Chase, Michelle Aquillo (Anthony), Andrew Larson (Elizabeth), Sara Larson (Adam), aunts Helen Folkmann and Ethel Baker and several cousins.  Denny was proceeded in death by his mother Norma and grandparents.

Denny enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and drag racing.  He was proud of his Czech heritage, was a great uncle and neighbor.  He will be missed by his many friends and family who knew him.  

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.