Elaine Jean Henke

Elaine Jean Henke, of Randolph, age 83, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2010 at Beaver Dam Community Hospital.

Elaine was born to Gust and Adeline (Roeder) Anton on July 16, 1926 in Beaver Dam. She graduated from Randolph High School in 1944. Elaine was a seasonal employee for thirty-seven years at Seneca, formerly Friday Canning Company in Cambria. She married Hilbert Henke on May 15, 1948 at Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church in Randolph, where they were long-time members. Elaine enjoyed raising her five children and took great pride in all of her grandchildren. She was delighted to meet her two great-grandsons. Elaine also enjoyed watching The Lawrence Welk Show and the Golden Girls. Reading books about the Titanic and assembling puzzles were favorite pastimes. Her many crocheted afghan’s are treasured by her family and friends.

Elaine is survived by her three sons, Bill Henke; Charles Henke, and Jim Henke, all of Randolph; two daughters, Mary (David) Caine, of Tennessee; Kristine (Larry) Ehrke, of Columbus; seven grandchildren, Theresa (Stephen) Peachey; Jean (Greg) Harbort, Roxanne Ehrke; Matthew Ehrke; Michael (Vanessa) Korter; Douglas Henke; and Tonya Henke; and two great-grandsons, Avery Peachey and Evan Harbort. She is further survived by three sisters, Phyllis Leonard, Fond du Lac; Mary (Roger) Jauregui, Beaver Dam; Carol (Ed) Nelson, Randolph; five sisters-in-law, Gertrude Berndt; Caroline (John) Duesterhoeft, Westfield; Dorothy Schroeder, Fond du Lac; Hildegard Henke and Verla Henke, both of Westfield; a brother-in-law, Martin (Betty) Henke, St. James, MN: and her life long friend, Norma Krueger, Beaver Dam; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by Hilbert, her husband of sixty years; twin daughters in infancy; her parents; parents-in-law, Otto and Dora Henke; her sister, Marge Hoyt; brothers-in-law, Walter Henke; Gerhardt Henke; Harry Berndt; Albert Lenhart; Elroy Schroeder; George Leonard; and a nephew, Donald Henke.

A Service to Celebrate Elaine’s Life will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church, 335 Jones Drive, Randolph, with Rev. Walter Goers officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.

Elaine’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, January 11, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established in Elaine’s name.