Henry W. Dienst

Henry W. Dienst, age 89, of Geneva, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Delnor Hospital.

Henry was born August 12, 1935, in Aurora, IL the son of Dr. Richard Carl Dienst and Marie (Sedgewick) Dienst.  He attended West Aurora high school and graduated from Aurora University with a degree in Physics.  After college he graduated from the United States Navy’s Officer Candidate School and served as an officer in the US Navy for four years stationed at Norfolk, VA, Jacksonville, FL and Washington, DC.  

Henry joined Simpson Technologies in December 1964 and served the company continuously for nearly 60 years including as President & CEO from 1970 until 1995.  From 1988 until 2022 he served as Chairman of the Board.  Henry was a generous and dedicated leader in the industry he served and was deeply involved in the American Foundry Society serving on the Board of Directors from 1990-1994, as Vice President form 1994-1996 and finally as President from 1996-97.  He was also President of the Casting Industry Suppliers Association and a Trustee in the Foundry Educational Foundation. 

Henry also gave generously of his time to his community and neighbors serving a President of the Geneva Golf Club in Geneva, IL, President of the Wilderness Golf Club in Naples, FL and serving on the Board of Trustees of the former Geneva Community Hospital and helped guide the merger with Delnor Hospital.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years Judy (Simpson); children Bruce (Kristie) Dienst and Julie McMillin; grandchildren Ryan (Lauren) McMillin, Heather (David) Steinman, Kurtis Spurgin and Kendal Spurgin; great grandchildren Maisie, Connor, and Isla McMillin and Harper Steinman; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and his siblings Carl and Sally.

Services and interment for Henry will be held privately with family at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Henry may be given to causes he supported – the care of dogs at Anderson Humane animal shelter in South Elgin, IL (Donate - Anderson Humane ahconnects.org) or the Young at Heart senior pet adoption in Woodstock, IL (About Us - Young at Heart - Senior Pet Adoptions adoptaseniorpet.com) or the Rush-Copley Foundation in Aurora, Illinois (rush.edu/giving/make-gift/rush-copley-make-gift) in support of the many talented physicians, nurses and staff that cared for him.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.