Arlyn D. Henke's Obituary
“I am ready to go home”, he whispered and the Lord replied “Welcome”. Arlyn Dale Henke, age 84, of Oshkosh WI, entered eternal rest in the early morning of November 11th, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family.
Arlyn was born on May 15th, 1940 to Reuben and Edna (Wruck) Henke in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was one of twelve children and resided with his family on the beloved family farm until he was drafted into the Army in 1963. After his return, he was employed for a short time by Badger Concrete until taking over farming duties in 1966. In 1968, he met and married his wife, Janet (Kohler). He continued to work on the family farm until his farming retirement.
Arlyn was a gifted carpenter and throughout his life worked on numerous projects for family and friends, as well as for Tesch Construction and Laab Restoration. He was known for his craftsmanship and hard work ethic. But in his own words, the best thing he ever built was his family.
Arlyn and Janet were blessed with four children; Allen, Dan, Michelle and Kevin. He was a very devoted father and worked to make their life the best it could be. Although he took great pride in his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. He loved hearing about their shenanigans, attending their events, and being the instigator of their mischievousness. He passed on the best of him to each of them; his work ethic, his light-heartedness, his fondness of ice cream, his love for the “damn” Brewers, and his woodworking skills. He will live on through each of them.
Arlyn is survived by many loved ones, his children; Allen (Jennifer) and their sons Spencer (Emily) and Gabe (fiancée Lydia Knudsen), Daniel (Brenda) and their daughters Jaylene (Colin), Jordan and Sidney (fiancée Sam Gammon), Michelle and her daughter Kalli, Kevin (Laura) and their children Isiah and Arianna. His great grandchildren; Elliana, Jackson, Lily, Emmersyn, and Milo. As well as siblings; Wayne (Bev) Henke, Arden Henke, Joyce (Judge) Levenhagen, Nancy Kemnitz, Gloria (Mike) Hansen, Sharon (Craig) Kleinschmit, and Carol Henke (special friend Tom), as well as brother-in-laws Harold “Butch” (Sue) Kohler and Roger Wendler and sister-in-law Phyllis Moran, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Janet, brothers Donald, Robert, and Stan, sister Bonnie, brother-in-laws Ronald Nitz, Cliff Moran, John Llewellyn, Steve Kemnitz, sister-in-laws Kay Henke, Judy Henke, Marilyn Nitz, Mary Jane Wendler, Lavonne Llewellyn, great-granddaughter Bean.
His wish to spend his final months in his home was made possible by his family; especially Kevin, Laura, and Arianna, and their countless hours of comfort and care. Special thanks to Compassus, Pastor Chadwick Graham, Pastor Colin Rieke and “extended” family Ed Maloney, Kristina Wilder and Keith Dickerson, and countless others for their support, visits, video calls, text messages, and lunch dates.
A service celebrating Arlyn’s life will take place on November 16th,2024 at Grace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. Visitors are welcome to share their memories with his family from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. with a service to be held immediately following and committal with military honors following the service at Peace Cemetery (Oshkosh). The family requests visitors to wear Wisconsin sports apparel, especially Brewers or Green Bay Packers, in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, requests are made for contributions to the Southeast Wisconsin Old Glory Honor Flight. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home, 920-235-1170, Oshkosh.
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