Racine- Ralph (Coach) C. Henkes of Racine died Monday, February 16, 2009, at his residence. Ralph was born April 11, 1928, and was a lifelong Racine resident. He attended St. Mary Catholic School, McKinnley Jr. High, and Washington Park High school. After serving for 18 months in the U.S. Army Medical Corp, Ralph attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota. While attending the University he married Jane E. Henkes (nee. Ludwig), who preceded him into eternal life two years ago. Ralph taught and coached at Wind Point School, Horlick High School and retired from the Prairie School where he molded young lives for over twenty five years. He coached state championship teams and individuals and was recognized as “The Coach of the Year” by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association in 1987. Ralph served two terms as a City of Racine alderman in the 1970’s. He was actively involved in all aspects of his community serving as a past president of the Tuesday Optimist club and the Holy Name Society, Boy Scout leader, and serving as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ralph loved to sing and was a member of the Dairy Statesmen, the Church Singers, St. Lucy’s Parish Choir and the Funeral Choir. He also loved to travel and took several soccer teams to Europe to compete. He recently started taking accordion lessons and had hoped to play his harmonica and accordion at the same time. Ralph is survived by his six children, Michael (Terri) Henkes of Kenosha; James (Lori) Henkes of Racine; Thomas (Carol) Henkes of Maplewood, MN; Clare (Dave) Zbikowski of Blaine, MN; Robert Henkes of St. Paul, MN; and Jennifer (Paul) Popowski of Lake Mills; 11 grandchildren, Mike, Jon, Rachel, Cara, Erica, Laura, Chris, Sam, Henry, Kyle and Victoria; brothers Barney and Norbert, his special friend Dee and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. And as Ralph wrote in preparation for this notice, “If I missed anyone, you can contact me by “knee-mail”. In accordance with Ralphs wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. Visitation will be at St. Lucy Church on Friday from 4-6 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Lucy’s Church choir for the purchase of music.
The McBride Family says
Jim, Lori, Cara and Erica
We want to express our sympathies and let you know that you are in our prayers. May God provide you with strength and faith over the next days.
Jeff Paulson says
Clare,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed reading about your dad’s life. He sounds like a great dad and an excellent teacher and coach. He must have touched many lives over the years. The world is a better place because of your dad.
Our deepest sympathies,
Jeff, Leann, and Tristane Paulson
Kate Huck Marschke says
What a beautiful testament to your Dad! I have so many great memories of our late summer walks to OP or down to the lake, all the old school songs he taught me that I now sing to Lauren, the cheesy jokes, and the great love and affection that we shared for each other. He will be missed. My love to all of you!
Katie
The Nielsen Family - Jette,Claus, Lotte & Morten says
Dear Henkes Family !
At Ralph`s death you hv lost a Dad,a Father in law,a Grandpa and a Brother !
We hv lost a dear friend and a friendship which we hv valued very very much and we,Jette & Claus, were very proud and honored when we in 2003, the 11th of April, by the Founding President, Mr. Ralph C.Henkes, were nominated to be a a member of “Ralph Henkes Hall of Fame” !
Our acquaintance,which by time has developed into a very close friendship, is going back to 1987, where Lotte got a scolar-ship attending the Prairie School!
Throughout many visits in Racine and in Karlslunde as well, we learnt to know Ralph, as a very decent,loving and cosy person with a lot of humor, loving to tell jokes, to sing and playing his harmonica ! We will mis him… !
All honor to Ralph`s memory !
Jette,Claus,Lotte & Morten
Steve Henkes says
Expressing my sympathy to his children, grandchildren, cousins and friends over Ralphs passing. Although I only met him on a few occasions, when he and Jane would visit the west coast, he was a super human being, and fun to be around. My dad was his older brother, and my dad (Larry) would talk about Ralph and he growing up. I know Ralph will be missed by all, and also know he is in heaven with his parents, wife and brothers. God Bless and keep you Ralph.
Larry Henkes III says
Though I was only able to see Ralph on a few occasions I will certainly miss our phone chats and his great sense of Henkes humor. His Christmas card and letter were always looked forward to. Our condolences. Larry, Maureen, James and Tyler