John “Jack” Dendinger passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at the age of 95. He drew his final breaths with two of his daughters by his side, capping a beautiful final year spent surrounded by the constant love, laughter, and frequent visits of his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren.

Jack’s story began on Oct. 22, 1930, born in the upstairs back bedroom of his family home in Hartington, Nebraska, to Cyril and Mabel Dendinger.

His early years shaped a life defined by hard work, deep dedication, and a legendary quick wit.

A standout athlete in his youth, Jack was a star basketball player and captain of the Holy Trinity Catholic High School team.

He continued his athletic career at Wayne State College before transferring to Creighton University to pursue his true professional calling: a degree in pharmacy.

Upon graduation, Jack answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Army. He served honorably for two years in Korea as the commander of a hospital ambulance unit.

Following his military service, Jack initially moved to Chicago to work for Abbott Laboratories. However, upon hearing that pharmacists were earning better wages in California, he packed his bags and set out for San Francisco.

Destiny intervened along the way. Stopping in Santa Barbara, Jack fell in love with the coastal town and decided to make it his permanent home. He began his local career at Caldwell Pharmacy.

It was during a Santa Barbara bowling league night that Jack met Katherine Irene “Rene” McKinnon. Rene, a nurse residing in Santa Barbara, who was born and raised in Canada, happened to be substituting on a team that evening.

A romance quickly sparked, and they were wed less than a year later, beginning a beautiful life together.

An entrepreneurial spirit led Jack to open his own business, Isla Vista Pharmacy, in 1969. He later partnered with Harry Powell, owner of the Isla Vista Rexall, and together they built a thriving, successful business that served the local community for 15 years.

Jack was blessed with two deep and enduring chapters of love in his life. He was married to Rene for 29 wonderful years until her untimely passing in 1990. He later found love again with Louise, and the two shared another beautiful 29 years of marriage together before her passing.

Known for his sharp intellect and joyful spirit, Jack was always ready with a joke. He brought light and laughter to everyone he met, maintaining his sense of humor throughout his life.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Cyril and Mabel Dendinger; brother and sister-in-law Gene and Marilyn Dendinger; brother-in-law Peter McKinnon; and his two beloved wives Rene and Louise.

His legacy of love, humor and resilience lives on through his family.

He is survived by his devoted children, daughters Jodi, Jacqie, and Janice (Mike); son Don (Lucy); and eight cherished grandchildren Katherine, Nicholas, Gabrielle, Kate, Anna, Alyssa, Cami and Veronica.