Denny Henke
1947-2025
Denny Henke, age 78, of Withee, joined his loving wife Nancy on Nov. 1, 2025, after a brave 14-year battle with mantle cell leukemia. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee. The Rev. Elizabeth Bier will officiate. Family and friends are welcome from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday, at the church. Military Honors will be provided by Lublin American Legion Post #547, Owen American Legion Post #123, Owen-Withee Vets Club and the Thorp VFW Post #9057. The funeral service will be live streamed at youtube.com/@oneinchristelca.
The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Owen is entrusted with the arrangements.
Denny was born Aug. 19, 1947, the son of Lawrence and Evelyn (Miller) Henke, in Chippewa Falls. He graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1965. Denny was united in marriage to Nancy Hendriks on Dec. 14, 1968 and later remarried her on Sept. 29, 2007. She preceded him in death on Feb. 11, 2025.
Denny served in the US Navy, from 1967-71 and had a tour of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam from 1969-70. He was an insurance agent for 18 years following owning his own insurance business, Community Insurance and Real Estate. Together him and Nancy owned and operated The Spot Bar for several years.
Denny was known for his wonderful sense of humor and was always full of jokes.
He was an active member of the Nazareth Lutheran Church, O-W Vets Club, and the American Legion serving as commander. Denny also dedicated over 30 years of service as an EMT and firefighter with the O-W Fire Department.
In his free time, he enjoyed bowling and was a member of several local leagues. Denny loved going up north to Holcombe and ATV rides.
Above all, family was the most important part of Denny’s life. He was incredibly proud of each and every one of them, and becoming a great-grandpa brought him immense joy.
Denny is survived by his son, Monty (Renea) Henke, of Medford; and his daughter, Mindy (Greg) Heiden, of Edgar; his grandchildren, Tyler (Amber) Henke, of Marshfield, Katie (Joel) Barboza, Rachel (Lane) Nicholds, and Jacob Heiden, all of Edgar; and his great-grandchildren, Eleanora, Solomon, Arabella, and Silas, and one on the way. He is also survived by two brothers, Jim Henke, of Altoona, and Dave (Vickie) Henke, of Ladysmith; a sister-in-law, Fay (Donald) Stolp, of Stratford; and many nieces and nephews.
Denny was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his parents, Lawrence and Evelyn Henke; and his inlaws, Frank and Violet Hendriks.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred and the family will determine at a later date.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
Paid Obituary 176203
