Dennis James Korinek

Dennis James Korinek, 92 years, formerly of Omaha NE, residing in Nokomis, FL, passed away, Monday Sept. 14, 2026, at his home in Florida. Dennis was born to Jim and Georgia Korinek in Staplehurst, NE.

Dennis grew up in Ulysses and was a stand-out athlete at Ulysses High School, participating in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. He furthered his education and athletic success at the University of Nebraska, lettering in football for four years and baseball for three years. In 1955, Dennis played in the New Year’s Day Orange Bowl, which was a highlight of his career. He taught high school and coached football at Ulysses, Wahoo and Omaha Bryan. In 2023, Dennis was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame, an award he was honored to receive. Dennis was an excellent golfer and played the “links” his whole life. He was also an avid hunter.

Dennis married Lea Schlentz on June 7, 1954, at St Mary’s Church in David City, NE. They later divorced. He then married Joyce Fangman and relocated to Florida.

Dennis is survived by daughters, Diane Johnson, Omaha NE, the twins, Denise Korinek and Kim Smith, Lincoln NE, Karen Filipowicz (Ray), Elkhorn, NE and son, Kurt (Diana), Hilton Head Island, SC. His marriage to Joyce added daughters, Regina Putrino, and Andrea Rusco (Jason), seven grandchildren: Kasey Ayers (Corey), Skyler Korinek, Charlie (Samantha) and Jacqui Putrino and Benjamin, Mitchell and Luke Rusco, as well as three great-grandchildren: Lola, Max and Stella Ayers.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Georgia Korinek.

A Rosary Service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses, Nebraska.  The Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30am on October 6th at the church with Fr. Michael Stec officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Immaculate Conception Church in Ulysses, NE.