Racine- Jane E. Henkes (nee. Ludwig), 75, of Racine, died Thursday, February 01, 2007 at the Harbor House – North in Kenosha following a valiant struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. She was born on September 1, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI, to Frank and Margeurite (nee: Davis) Ludwig. Jane graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine in 1949, and in 1951 was married to Ralph Henkes at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church. She was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church in Racine. Her passions included active involvement in Daughters of American Revolution where she was a past Regent; making beautiful crafts with her business partner and friend, Bonnie Ladwig; volunteering at The Prairie School from 1967-1990 especially as one of the originators of the annual auction; genealogy; and traveling with her husband to Europe to continue tracing her family line. She is survived by her loving husband, Ralph; six children, Michael (Terri) Henkes of Kenosha; James (Lori) Henkes of Racine; Thomas (Carol) Henkes of Maplewood, MN; Clare (Dave) Zbikowski of Blaine, MN; Bob Henkes of St. Paul, MN; and Jennifer (Paul) Popowski of Lake Mills; 10 grandchildren, Mike, Jon, Rachel, Cara, Erica, Laura, Chris, Sam, Henry, and Kyle; sister, Genevieve Cicero; and by many nieces, nephews; and other relatives and friends. Jane was preceded in death by her parents. In accordance with Jane’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 5, 2007 at 6:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. A reception will immediately follow at Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street. Private interment will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be at St. Lucy Church on Monday from 4-6 pm. In memory of Jane, memorials may be made to the family who will forward the contributions to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Hospice Alliance and of Harbor House-North in Kenosha for the loving and compassionate end-of-life care that was so warmly extended to Jane. God bless all of you!
Joy McQueen says
Dear Ralph and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Jane’s illness and recent passing. I remember her at SCHS in her school uniform and her beautiful blond hair. She was an upper classman and I thought she was beautiful! You did too, as you married her! Because I left Racine in 1953, I really didn’t get to know her as a ‘cousin’. My loss.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Love from your cousin,
Joy (Etteldorf) McQueen