Susan B. Henke

Susan “Sue” Henke, age 77, passed away while on a bus trip in Maine on Monday, October 2, 2017. She was born in Appleton, WI on September 3, 1940, to the late Joseph and Harriet Theisen. Sue attended St. Joseph School, then went on to graduate from Appleton High School in 1958. Sue worked at Riverside Paper Company before marrying Edwin “Dick” Henke on April 2, 1960 in Menominee, MI. After having her three children, Sue started work as an Educational Assistant for the Appleton Area School district. She worked for the school system for over 34 years until her retirement in 2006. Sue enjoyed gardening, walking, fitness (YMCA), reading, crafts, cooking, traveling and lunch with her St. Joseph School friends. She enjoyed caring for and spending time with her grandchildren, as well as her dog, Lucy. Sue also enjoyed volunteering for the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, St. Francis Xavier Middle School lunch program, the Appleton Warming Shelter and various ministries at St Therese Church.

She is survived by her three children: Laura Henke, Linda (Steve) Franklin and Timothy (Tina) Henke; grandchildren: Evan and Elise Henke. She is further survived by her brother, Thomas “Pete” Theisen and her brother-in-law, Donald Hoelzel and many nieces and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin “Dick” Henke; siblings: Joseph (Marge) Theisen, Mary Theisen, Patricia Hoelzel and Robert Theisen; Sister-in-laws: Marlyn (Jean) Theisen and Joyce Hale; parents-in-law: Edwin and Martha Henke.

A funeral service for Sue will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at ST. THERESE CATHOLIC CHURCH (213 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton). Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to your local Humane Association or Wisconsin Public Television in her name.

Mother and Grandmother, you started your journey on earth the day you were born. The places you went, the people you connected with and the challenges you faced were handled with grace. You traveled on this earth, loving, caring, laughing and giving. You gave us wonderful times and were always there for us. You lived life to the fullest and had a great sense of humor. Most of all, you were our mother and grandmother. Little did we realize the last time you packed your luggage, God had a different travel plan for you. His plan was to get you to Heaven. Thanks for all your love, we will miss you a ton. Lori, Linda, Tim, Evan, Elise, Tina and Steve.