Gerald F. Henckel entered enteral life with Jesus on September 19, 2018. He was born September 7, 1938 in Milwaukee, WI to Gilbert and Evelyn (nee Harmann) Henckel. He was baptized as a child of God as an infant and later confirmed in his faith. He attended Milwaukee Lutheran High School and obtained a college education from UW-Milwaukee. He also enjoyed his courses through Carnegie Hall and at Wisconsin Lutheran College. He completed an apprentice program and worked as a machinist at A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive for many years and was a recognized veteran of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Following his retirement, he taught at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in the learning center and coached forensics.

Gerald married Nancy Henckel (nee Lubbert), the love of his life on January 28, 1961. They had a strong Christian marriage and prayed together daily. During their 57 years of marriage God blessed them with 14 children, 20 grandchildren, with “baby” on the way, and 5 great-grandchildren. Gerald devoted his life to God, church, and his family.

Gerald was a Godly man, who taught his children and grandchildren Jesus’ love for them, how to pray, and provided a Christian education. Gerald’s love for teaching others about Christ extended beyond his own family as he taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School through the end of his life. He enjoyed attending “Old People’s Bible Class” on Wednesdays.

Time spent with his family included countless memories of holiday traditions. Gerald made each birthday and holiday extra special, baking his homemade rolls for every special occasion. He was the president of our family walking club, loved singing and listening to Doo Wop and Oldies, going to classic car shows, working in the yard and being in nature, telling stories to grandkids, and talking in his German accent. His family was blessed to travel with him on numerous vacations.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, his children, Daniel (Jill), Cheryl, Rick (Dawn), Terry (Cindy), Susan (Brian) Antonia, Andrew, Mary (Anthony) Pratley, Karen (Chris) Sackett, Jeremy, Jamie (Chad) Kraemer, Kelly (friend John), Jesse, Elizabeth (Jason) Paasch. He is further survived by his daughter-in-law Betty, grandchildren Benjamin Henckel, Joel (Tiffany), Jacob (Claire), Kayla, Heather, and Jessica Henckel, Nicole Kinzel, Rebekah, Hannah, and Rachel Antonia, Luke, Leah, and Caleb Henckel, Keyarra, Kyra, and Tyrus Pratley, Christopher Sackett, Owen and Peter Kraemer, Elliott and “Baby” Paasch, and his great-grandchildren, Hailey, Clayton, Gideon, Elijah, and Malachi Henckel. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Diane), sister Faith (Dale), many nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Gerald is reunited in heaven with his parents, his in-laws, his brother, Marvin, his oldest son, Jeffrey, and other relatives.

The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 5:00 PM at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church (777 S Indiana, West Bend). The Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, September 23rd from 2:00 PM until the time of service at 5:00 PM. Interment will take place at Washington County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, and Little Lambs Childcare Center.

His family wishes to thank Dr. Weber for the continued and compassionate care that he received throughout his life here on earth.

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