Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Elaine Henkel
1931 - 2025
BORN
1931
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Elaine Henkel Obituary
Born: March 9, 1931 in Sublette, IL
Died: November 27, 2025 in Mendota, IL
Elaine Henkel, 94, of West Brooklyn passed away, Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2025 at Stonecroft in Mendota. Elaine was born on March 9, 1931 in Sublette, the daughter of Francis and Clara (King) Leffelman. She married Don Henkel Aug. 26, 1950. A beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She left this world surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. She was a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Brooklyn, IL and later Holy Cross Church in Mendota, IL. For 64 years, she was faithfully by the side of her beloved husband, Don.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Clara (King) Leffelman; her husband Donald Henkel; son Dean Henkel; Grandson Nathan Henkel; Son-in-law Scott Diedrick; her brothers, Robert (infant), Melvin Leffelman, Eugene "Gene" Leffelman, and Ronald Leffelman.
She is survived by her children, Susan (Michael) Pratt of Dixon, Sharon (Frank) Ruffalo of Elgin, Dennis (Diane) Henkel of West Brooklyn, and daughter-in-law Paula Henkel of West Brooklyn; nine grandchildren: Andy and Peter Pratt; Ryan, Zach, and Devin Henkel; Laurie Walscheid; Holly Gabrys; Lisa Jones; and Katy Faber; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters Velma Quest and Doris Latta and sister-in-law Eileen Leffelman and many other family members and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Public visitation will be Tues. Dec. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30AM Wed. Dec. 3, 2025 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mendota. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Mendota Area Senior Services. Visit www.horner-merritt.com for online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Elaine Henkel
Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Henkel
Sponsored by Horner-Merritt Funeral Home.
2 Entries
Liz Tucker
November 30, 2025
Ryan, Zach, Devin, and Holly - sorry to hear of the passing of your grandma. She will always be watching over you.
Pat Beals
November 28, 2025
I was sad to learn of Elaine´s passing when I was at SCV today. I enjoyed getting to know her there. Condolences to her family and friends.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Elaine Henkel's name
How to support Elaine's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Elaine Henkel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
