Raymond Dale Henke

Raymond Dale Henke, 70, of Staunton, IL, died Monday, June 21 at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO.  Ray was born on November 1, 1950, in Litchfield, IL, to Norman and Roleen (Hartke) Henke of rural Staunton.  He married Ruth Ann (Diel) Henke on August 5, 1972.  She survives him.

Ray, baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, south of Staunton.  He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, all his life, serving in many capacities.  He attended Zion Lutheran School and Staunton High School.  After high school, he served in the U.S. Army for two years.  After he returned, he began working with his father and brother on the family farm and did so for the rest of his life, eventually forming the corporation Henke Farms, Inc.  Ray was also a member of the American Legion. He was a supporter of Staunton FFA alumni, having been a member and President of the organization while at SHS.

Ray and Ruth Ann raised their family south of Staunton on the family farm.  All remain in Staunton.  He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann, his daughter Rachel (Tim) Seelbach, his son Ryan (Georgia) Henke and his son Robert Henke; five grandchildren: Kaylee, Taylor and Brady Seelbach and Eli and Catania Henke.  He is also survived by his mother Roleen (Hartke) Henke, his sister Cheryl (Jim) Walker, his sister Mary (Scott) Reed and his sister-in-law Linda (Kent) Henke, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Norman Henke, his brother Ronald Henke, his brother Kent Henke, his brother Keith Henke and a daughter-in-law Kristie (Mann) Henke.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. In addition, a visitation will be held Friday from 10 – 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton with Rev. Kelly Mitteis officiating. Burial will be held at Spangle Cemetery near Staunton. The Staunton Military Honor Guard will conduct graveside military rites.

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church, Community Hospital of Staunton and the Staunton FFA Alumni.

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