Obituary of Frederick Edward Henke

Frederick E. Henke, age 80, of Vesper, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at his home. Services will be 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Doug Schalow will officiate. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Fred was born on April 2, 1935 in Wisconsin Rapids to August and Mildred (Newman) Henke. He was united in marriage to Marlene Ferkey on August 26, 1957 in Wisconsin Rapids. The couple was blessed with 54 years of marriage and six children; Marlene passed away on May 3, 2012. Fred was employed by Georgia Pacific for 29 years as a machine operator before his retirement in 1991. Fred had a shining personality and an easy going way about him that lit up the room. He had a nack for being able to talk to anyone. He enjoyed country music and never passed up the opportunity to hit the dance floor with the love of his life Marlene. Never one to just sit inside when there was an adventure awaiting him outdoors, Fred could often be found driving his Kubota all over his property, fishing, hunting or just enjoying nature. He liked going to rummage sales and was a frequent visitor at the farmers market. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. Fred is survived by his children: Randal (Deb) Henke, Alan (Joy) Henke, Cindy (Mark) Illinski, Renita (Jason) Todd and Renee (Mike) Rutta; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; sisters, Arlene (Jack) Lassa, Judith (Mel) Burling and sister-in-law Lucy Henke. He was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, daughter Christine Barton, parents August and Mildred, grandson Camden Henke and brother Donn Henke.