Chad J. Henke

1980 - 2025

Chad Jeremy Henke, age 45, of Waconia, MN, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. Chad lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and community.

Chad Jeremy Henke was born on January 12, 1980, in Glencoe, MN, the son of Gerald and Vickie (Rischmiller) Henke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church Mountville in Gaylord, MN. Chad graduated from Sibley East High School in 1998, followed by Gustavus Adolphus College in 2002 where his impressive work ethic and drive could be seen both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

For 23 years, Chad dedicated his professional career to Thrivent, guiding countless families with care and integrity. He was inducted into the Thrivent Hall of Fame in 2023. The meaningful and lasting client relationships that he developed over the years were the biggest reward of his career.

On April 1, 2006, Chad married Molly (Schrupp) Henke at Faith Lutheran Church in Waconia, MN. They welcomed their sons Colton and Chase in 2008 and 2011. His wife and sons were the center of his world and greatest pride. Chad was an all-in, hands-on Dad from day one - changing diapers, midnight bottles, attending every activity and event, comforting when they were sick, working hard to provide so many amazing experiences, coaching, teaching, and listening. "I Love You" flowed easily and often from his lips, along with praying together nightly until his last day, and always being goofy Dad and making his boys laugh. He cherished watching, coaching, and supporting his sons in all their interests and activities. Always sending them off to every practice and game with "Play Hard, Have Fun."

The words Chad lived by and instilled in his family were "help others." He gave his time, talents, and treasures selflessly and quietly to the people, community, and organizations that were special to him. He was an active Board Member of the Waconia Basketball Association and Waconia Basketball Booster Club. He was a Volunteer Varsity Basketball Assistant Coach for 17 years between Mayer Lutheran and Waconia High School. During those years, he developed many special and lasting relationships with the players who lovingly called him "Hang Time." He loved watching the players develop into more than just basketball players and become amazing young men. He enjoyed mentoring college interns and finding time to help new financial advisors beginning their careers. He was the person who checked in with so many people, even when he was struggling, and genuinely cared and listened to how they were doing. His kindness, steady leadership, and joy in helping others left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

In addition to his love for service, Chad also had many passions and hobbies. These included spending time with family and friends, traveling, pontooning, listening to music with his sons, family game nights, coaching, volunteering, traveling to Vikings away games (he finally saw a win in Buffalo after going 0-12), breakfast dates, watching college sports, and spending time outdoors.

Chad is survived by his loving family: wife Molly; sons Colton and Chase; parents Gerald and Vickie Henke of Gaylord, MN; brother Tom (Sara) Henke of Brownton, MN; sister Vanessa (Nate) Eder of Cologne, MN; grandmother Dixie Rischmiller of Arlington, MN; father-in-law and mother-in-law Dan and Missy Schrupp of Young America, MN; brother-in-law Mark (Londan Harris) Schrupp of Big Lake, MN; nieces and nephews Jada Henke, Adeley Henke, Huxley Henke, Maxden Eder, Hallie Eder; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and so, so many friends.

Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents Gerhard and Esther Henke and Dale Rischmiller.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church (800 Waconia Pkwy N) in Waconia with Rev. Adam White as officiant. Visitation Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday, all at the church. Interment in Faith Rutz Lake Cemetery in Waconia, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.