Obituary of Danny Henke

Danny Harold Henke, 63, 1820 6th Street South, Wisconsin Rapids, died late Monday, December 19, 2011 under the care of Ministry Homecare Hospice. Services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the United Methodist Church (441 Garfield, Wisconsin Rapids). Reverend Dale Arndt will officiate. Burial will follow the funeral service at Restlawn Memorial Park with military honors conferred by the VFW Post #2534. Danny was born in Wisconsin Rapids on May 5, 1948 to Melva (Youngs) and the late Harold Henke. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966. Danny joined the US Army in 1968, serving in Phuoc Vihn, Vietnam from 1969-70 in the 545th M.P. Co. with the 1st Air Calvary Division. On September 23, 1972, Danny was united in marriage to Marlene Hetzel at the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Danny worked for the City of Wisconsin Rapids street department for 40 years as an end loader operator, retiring in 2006. He was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter #101, VFW Post #2534 and he was a member of the Sherry Tired Iron Tractor Club. Danny was a good father and provider for his family who never shied away from helping family for friend when in needed. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and brother-in-law, and he delighted spending time with the apple of his eye, his grandson, Brian. In his free time, Danny enjoyed watching football, fishing, hunting and gardening. Survivors include his beloved wife, Marlene; son, Eric (Vikki Ballard) Henke; grandchildren, Brian Henke and Gabriella Daletto; mother, Melva Eswein; sister, Carol Davis; mother-in-law, Leona Hetzel; brothers-in-law, Donald (Ruth Ann) Hetzel, Ronald (Bonnie) Hetzel and Gerald (Wendy) Hetzel; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents and father-in-law, John Hetzel. Friends may call at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 21, and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.