Vernon Gordon Henkelman

Vernon Henkelman, age 96, of Appleton, passed away Thursday evening, August 8, 2024, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center. Visitation will be held 1-2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., Friday, August 16, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. Pastor Jan Eifealdt will officiate. Interment will be in Appleton City Cemetery.

Vernon Gordon Henkelman was born July 23, 1928, in Ortonville, Minnesota, the son of Fred John and Laura Marquette (Pomerenke) Henkelman. He was baptized on August 26, 1928, by Pastor Ihuo Janssen and was confirmed on April 12, 1942, by Pastor R.W. Langhans, both at Grace Lutheran Church in Correll. Vernon was raised in the Correll area, where he attended school through the eighth grade. He then enrolled at Odessa High School, graduating with the Class of 1947.

On October 22, 1954, Vernon was united in marriage to Irene Ruth Von Eschen by Rev. Goerhing at United Methodist Church in Big Stone City, South Dakota. This union was blessed with nearly 70 years together and three children: Renae, Lynn, and Karen. The couple made their home near Correll where they farmed and raised their family. In his early years, Vernon also did custom shocking for area farmers. Over the years Vernon was involved with 4-H as a member of the 4-H Extension Board and as a Club Leader. He was also active at church where he was a member of the Church Council.

Vernon passed away Thursday evening, August 8, 2024, in Appleton Area Health-Care Center. He attained 96 years and 16 days of age. Vernon is survived by his wife Irene Henkelman of Appleton; his children: Renae (Norman) Giese of Appleton, Lynn (Ruthy) Henkelman of Appleton and Karen (Lynn) Gabrielson of Fergus Falls; 10 grandchildren: Heather (Greg) Rasset, Kendra (Matthew) Hicks, Marissa (AJ) Foltyn, Sheridan (Jennifer) Giese, Nicholas (Laura) Henkelman, Camille (Chad) Anderson, Dustin (Michelle) Henkelman, Davis (Nellie) Gabrielson, Mitchell (Karen) Gabrielson, and Lonnie (Lisa) Gabrielson; 25 great-grandchildren: Brenna (Danny) Tuckett, Mikayla (Keegan) Hamann, Sienna Rasset, Lauren Hicks, Tytus Hicks, Zaine Hicks, Xander Foltyn, Griffin Giese, Olivia Giese, Everly Giese, Ava Henkelman, Elise Henkelman, Carter Anderson, Callista Anderson, Hunter Henkelman, Ella Henkelman, Grace Henkelman, Aria Gabrielson, Myla Gabrielson, Connor Gabrielson, Cade Gabrielson, Bennett Gabrielson, Brooks Gabrielson, Haven Gabrielson, and Onyx Gabrielson; 4 great-great-grandchildren: Braxtyn Tuckett, Isabella Tuckett, T.J. Tuckett, and Kianna Tuckett; his brother Dale (Joyce) Henkelman of Willmar; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Laura Henkelman; and his brother Alvin (Phyllis) Henkelman.

Blessed be the memory of Vernon Gordon Henkelman.