Eugene Henkel

Eugene “Gene” E. Henkel, 84, of Gladstone, passed away January 2, 2022, in Lincoln. He was born July 22, 1937, to Eimer E. Henkel and Emma Louise Caroline (Spilker) Henkel in Gladstone.He was baptized at East Gladstone Church and confirmed at American Lutheran Church, Fairbury. He was a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church, Fairbury.He attended school at Gladstone through the 8th grade, graduating from Fairbury High School, class of 1955.On July 18th, 1969, at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, he was united in marriage to Louise Helen Miller of Storm Lake, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Eric, Susan, and Evan. They later divorced.Gene was a herdsman, devoting his life to raising Polled Herefords on the farm north of Gladstone. He had a way with animals. In addition to his cattle, he raised quarter horses, Araucana chickens and barn cats. He was especially fond of his childhood dog Spitz and later Spike.He always had a story. He enjoyed reading, studying pedigrees and was passionate about politics. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He was especially fond of ice-cold Pepsi and chocolate cupcakes.He was a lifetime member of the Polled Hereford Association and served on the board of the Thayer County Livestock Feeder’s Association.He is survived by children Eric Henkel (significant other Toni Ladely) of Gladstone; Susan (Tim) Likens, Swanton; and Evan (Amy) Henkel, Bennington; grandchildren, Emmitt Henkel, Tamarac, FL; Eastin Henkel, Cortland; Levi Likens (fiancé Hannah Sandford), Sargent; Emma (James) Brown, Dayton, Ohio; Katlyn (Matthew) Grimes, Minden; Travis Likens, Swanton; Ethen and Elliot Henkel, Bennington; and great-grandchildren, Charles Brown, Dayton, Ohio and Milo Grimes, Minden; nieces and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Doris (Louis) Meyer.The family will greet friends Sunday, January 9, 2022, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2022, at Faith Lutheran Church, 1630 I Street, Fairbury, Pastor Ken Hart officiating. Honorary pallbearers: Levi Likens, Travis Likens, Eastin Henkel, and Jay Hatfield. Cremains to be scattered later. Memorials will go to Faith Lutheran Church. Gerdes-Meyer is assisting with arrangements.

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