Velma L. Henke Obituary (2023)

Velma L. Henke, age 85, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at Herman-Taylor Funeral home in Wisconsin Rapids. Entombment will be at Forest Hill Mausoleum in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services on Monday, at the funeral home. Velma was born on January 26, 1938, to Delbert and Marian (Schenk) Westover in Wisconsin Rapids. She graduated from Wild Rose High School in 1955. Velma was united in marriage to Robert A. Henke on August 8, 1959, outside the Methodist Church in Almond, WI. In her younger years Velma worked on the family farm and worked for a local eye doctor. A dedicated wife and caring mother, she spent her life cherishing simple pleasures and sharing her joy with her family and those around her. Velma and her husband were classic car enthusiasts. Their passion took them to car shows throughout Wisconsin and Michigan. Together, they attended over 450 car shows, and won 350 awards and trophies. Their pride and joy, a 1957 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special affectionately known as "Ole Blue". Velma found joy in cooking and baking. Her cookies and mincemeat pies were the hallmark of holiday celebrations. She was a devoted viewer of cooking shows, always eager to experiment with new recipes and share them with loved ones. In the quiet moments, Velma and her husband found comfort and laughter in watching their favorite shows, "The Voice" and "Chain Reaction". She also enjoyed watching birds, especially the cardinals, out their patio window. Bob and Vel also enjoyed many years of walking around Lake Wazeecha. Velma is survived by her loving and caring husband Robert, her four children and their families; Ronald D. (Helen) Henke, Gary Henke, Daniel Henke, and Debbie (Dennis) Nelson; grandchildren; Allen (Katie) Henke, Veronica Henke, Ian Nelson and Bryce Nelson, Josh Reinert, Alexia Henke, Marshall Henke and Desdani Henke; eight great-grandchildren, and siblings Karen Taplin and Kay (Paul) Gradl, and many nieces and nephews. Velma was preceded in death by her parents, sister Darlene Maday, brother-in-law George Maday, brother-in-law Herbert Taplin, and many aunts and uncles. The family would like to thank Interim Hospice for the exceptional care that she received.