Thursday, February 6, 2025
Robert A. Henke, age 88, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 21, 2025, at his home.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Entombment will be at Forest Hill Mausoleum in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Robert was born on January 9, 1937, to Otto and Mary (Dickerson) Henke in Almond, Wisconsin. Robert was united in marriage with Velma Westover on August 8, 1959, outside the Methodist Church in Almond, Wisconsin. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage until her passing on October 29, 2023.
Robert served in the United States Navy for two years in the South Pacific. He later started working at the Port Edwards Paper Mill. Later, he worked at Nekoosa Georga Pacific Paper Mill and retired as the lead machinist in 1996.
Robert and his wife were classic car enthusiasts. Their passion took them to car shows throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. Together, they attended over 450 car shows and won 350 awards and trophies. Their pride and joy, a 1957 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special affectionately known as "Ole Blue".
In the quiet moments, Robert and his wife found comfort and laughter in watching their favorite shows, "The Voice" and "Chain Reaction," and a challenging game of Yahtzee. They also enjoyed watching birds, he especially liked feeding them. He also enjoyed striking up conversations and sharing stories with family, friends, and friends-to-be. Bob and Velma also enjoyed many years of walking around Lake Wazeecha.
Robert is survived by his four children and their families; Ronald D. (Helen) Henke, Gary Henke, Daniel Henke, and Debbie (Dennis) Nelson; grandchildren; Allen (Katie) Henke, Veronica Henke, Ian Nelson and Bryce Nelson, Josh Reinert, Alexia Henke, and Desdani Henke; eight great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Kay (Paul) Gradl, Karen Taplin, and survived by many nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mary Henke; siblings; Evelyn Henke, Annabell Davis, Wihelmina Hanefeld, Olive Drews, John Henke, Harvey Henke, Charles Henke, Harriet Laatsch, Marye Jean Szczublewski, Otto Henke, Albertha Witt, Juanita Kalata, and grandson, Marshall Henke, brother-in-law, Herbert Taplin.
The family would like to thank the staff at Angel Gardens for their exceptional compassion through the years, especially after the passing of his wife, and Herman-Taylor Funeral Home for their comfort and support provided to the family.
