Fern Jeanette (Alft) Henke

Fern J. Henke, age 96 of Tigerton passed away on Sunday November 17, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Fern Jeanette Henke was born January 10, 1928 in Clintonville daughter to the late Lyle & Iva (Verg) Alft. She attended Shawano High School and graduated with the class of 1946. Fern worked at the Knitting Mill as well as the Department Store both in Shawano for a time. She was united in marriage to Henry “Fuzzy” Henke in Waukegan, IL on November 17, 1947 after the couple had eloped. The newlyweds had lived in many different places around Wisconsin as Fuzzy had a career in construction. They moved their family back to Shawano in the early 1960’s, where they lived until 1974 when they moved to Tigerton, where Fern has resided since. She became an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Tigerton. Fern loved being a mother to her children and stayed home with them while they were growing up. She enjoyed snowmobiling, women’s bowling, and golf leagues in her younger years; and completed many crossword puzzles in her later years. A great cook and canner, the family loved her famous chili and always remember her canning sauerkraut and pickles. Fern will be remembered for being the glue that held her family together, always putting her family first, and always up for a good time.   

Fern is survived by her children: Daniel (Deb) Henke, Patrick (Marcia) Henke, Julia (Randy) Graham
Grandchildren: Erin (Jason) Leib, Ryan (Christine) Henke, Joshua (Citla) Graham, Jacob (Terri) Graham
Great-grandchildren: Henry, Jack, Alex, Allison, Sarah, Hayden, & Claire.
Daughter-in-law: Sherry Henke

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Henry “Fuzzy” Henke; a son Lon Henke; siblings, DeLail Alft, Jean Laehn, & Carol Rotter. 

Memorial services will be held 11 AM on Monday, December 2, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church, Tigerton with the Rev. Dean Suehring officiating. Inurnment will take place at Tigerton Union Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will take place on that Monday at the church from 10 AM until the time of service.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Tigerton is assisting the Henke family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.