K. Jane Denick
K. Jane Denick, long time resident and active supporter of Westerville, died of leukemia on January 2, 2014, at the age of 64, born May 25, 1949. Her loving family was at her side – husband Ralph Denick of Westerville, son Roger Denick of Chicago, IL., son Keith Denick and husband Christopher Dean of Portland, OR, and daughter Carolyn Denick of Westerville. In addition to her dedication to her family, Jane was deeply devoted to Westerville, Uptown and the arts, and followed these passions by being President of the Arts Council of Westerville, board member of the Westerville Visitors and Convention Bureau, member of the Westerville Concert Band (tuba section leader), and co-owner with her husband of Java Central Coffee House – a music and arts café in Uptown Westerville.
Jane was born in Greenville, S.C. to the late Robert and Katie Wingo, and grew up in Whitehall. She graduated from Miami University with a B.A. Music Ed. (tuba). Her business life combined a background in education, dentistry, insurance and corporate training. Positions included teacher, vocational instructor, director of vocational education, claims and production supervisor, and various roles in training. She was 10 years with United Healthcare, and her final 10 years were as Sr. Corporate Trainer in IT at American Electric Power. Jane was one of the most competent and capable people around, and could research, learn, improve and teach anything, including complex IT processes. Yet she was consistently known as the nicest person most had ever met. Jane is also survived by her sister Sarah White and husband, Ben, of Branford, CT, sister Joyce Wingo of Columbus, OH and sister Beth of Macon, GA, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
In remembrance of her life and interests, a memorial tribute and celebration was held on Friday, January 10 at the Westerville Community Center, There was live music, art, food, speakers and memorabilia – a true celebration of her life with friends and family. Hundreds attended, including the mayor and three former mayors. Per her request, the Denick family donated a sculpture in her name, which is located at the Westerville Alum Creek Park Amphitheater on W. Main St in Westerville. This location is very fitting – Jane played numerous concerts there as part of the Westerville Concert Band and created a number of Arts Council events there, including "Art In The Park." Donations in her name to the Arts Council of Westerville or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society would be appreciated. A memorial website for Jane and online messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.newcomercolumbus.com.