John Henke

John Henke

Age 81, a lifelong resident of Coal City, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon March 9, 2012 at his home.

Born December 21, 1930 in Coal City, John was a son of the late John William Henke Sr. and Margaret Ann Macketta-Henke. He was a 1948 graduate of Coal City High School and on October 15, 1951 was inducted into the United States Army in Chicago. John earned a Korean Service Medal, 3 Bronze Camp Stars and a United Nations Service Medal prior to his honorable discharge as Corporal on July 27, 1953. On April 8, 1956, John married Joyce Montgomery in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City and together they made Coal City their home. John farmed most of his life in Goose Lake Township and also worked maintenance for Goose Lake Township for 28 years until retiring in 2011. He was a lifetime member of Stone City VFW Post 2199 and also belonged to the Coal City Area Club. John greatly enjoyed western movies, especially John Wayne films; was a Chicago White Sox fan and enjoyed fishing and spending time in his vegetable garden.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years: Joyce; children: Beverly Henke of Coal City, Lori (Greg) Hensley of Gardner, Jim (Donna) Henke of Kankakee and Chris (Brian) Berta of Dwight; two grandchildren: Nicole Borens of Chicago and Tony Berta of Dwight, and one sister Juanita (Peter) Pantaleone of Coal City, as well as numerous niece and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents and one son Michael (1978).

Visitation will be held on Monday March 12, 2012 between the hours of 4:00PM and 7:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City.

A private family interment with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in John's memory to the Coal City Fireman's Association, 35 South DeWitt Place, Coal City, Illinois 60416

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)