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BORN
1947
DIED
2024
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Jerome Henkel Obituary
Born: August 25, 1947 in Streator, IL
Died: April 20, 2024 in Paw Paw, IL
Jerome C. "Jerry" Henkel passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2024. Visitation will be April 26 from 4-7pm with a 4pm rosary at Wasmer Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be April 27 at 11am in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Rev. Jeff Windy will officiate. Burial will be private.
Jerry was born August 25, 1947, in Streator to Robert and Lorraine (Hochstatter) Henkel. He graduated Mendota High School in 1965. Jerry worked 38 years for Sam Beetz and Sons. An airplane enthusiast for years, Jerry owned different planes, and spent as much time flying as he could. He particularly loved spending time with family and friends. Jerry's first line of defense was his subtle sense of humor, a self-defense skill acquired from having 5 sisters. He had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile that could light a room. Jerry made friends wherever he went, he never knew a stranger.
He will be forever missed by his children Dea Karns, Kory (Bill) Wood, Ron (Carol) Karns, Ryan Karns, Jacob (Rebecca) Henkel; 12 grandchildren, several great grandchildren; and 5 sisters: Maureen (Bob) Weber of Sublette, Sue (Lindy) Hahn of Peru, Jeanne (Gale) Schlesinger of Cedar Rapids, IA., Pam Henkel of Mendota and Shelly Henkel of Mendota. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Lindsay Catalanello, Jessica Dawkins, Jamie Dold, Dinelle Freschi, Adam Frey, Michael Kawell, Addy Kerr, Aaron Wood and Andrew Wood. Memorials may be to the Donor's Choice. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Henkel
Sponsored by Wasmer Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Virginia Struck
June 27, 2024
So very sorry for your loss, Jerry was a true man's man. He was kind, understanding, forgiving and a pleasant person to be around. He will be missed. I'm sorry I just read the news today. So sorry Jake.
Ernie Wilhelm
April 27, 2024
It was good I had lunch with Jerry about 5 weeks ago in Plainfield, IL.
I am really going to miss him
Ernie Wilhelm
April 25, 2024
Jerry was a classmate of mine for 12 years. I have many good memories of Jerry. I will miss him a lot
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