Bernard 'Barney' E. Henkes

Bernard “Barney” E. Henkes, age 85, passed away Monday, December 26, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan–All Saints Medical Center. Bernard was born in Racine on December 30, 1925, son of the late Peter J. and Veronica A. (Nee: Itzenhuiser) Henkes.

During World War II he served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre. On June 19, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Beatrice A. Sieger. Bernard was employed by J.I. Case Company from 1946-1954 and then by the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier until his retirement in 1987. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Bea; children, Peter (Ann) Henkes of Racine, Jonathan (Carla) Henkes of Sioux Falls, SD, Kevin Henkes (Laura Dronzek) of Madison, Peggy (Bill) Smithana of Racine, Chris Henkes of Racine; six grandchildren; brother, Norbert “Nubbs” (Ann) Henkes of Cincinnati, OH; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his five brothers, Lawrence, Stephen, Robert, Ralph and Donald.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, December 30, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Private interment will be held. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Friday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888