Darrel K. Henke, 81, Preston, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by his family at Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita.
He was born on October 21, 1942 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Rohlan and Mary (Gadow) Henke. He was raised in and around the town of Western, Nebraska.
He graduated from Western High School in 1960. He received his pre-secondary education Associates Degree from Fairbury Junior College. He also attended the University of Nebraska and was a lifelong Husker fan.
Early in his work career he was a general manager for Hested's and Gibson's Stores in various locations in Nebraska, South Dakota and Colorado. In 1975, he took a giant leap of faith and purchased his own business. He moved his family of 9 from Lamar, Colorado to Pratt where he became the proud owner of the local Daylight Donuts. This was a very successful venture and provided for his family for 31 years until his retirement. Darrel enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing, woodworking and watching Husker football. He could always be seen sporting his Nebraska jacket and ball cap. He loved to attend his children and grandchildren sporting events.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Addeanna (Schlagor) Henke; children, William (Masako) McChesney III of Ferris, Texas, David Henke of Wichita, Kevin Henke of Vevay, Indiana, Katherine (Todd) Wagner of Benton, Steven (Christy) Henke of Preston and Alicia (Tony) Shumway of Pratt; grandchildren, Alec McChesney, Ellen McChesney, Matthew (Josie) Barnes, Samuel Henke, Meggan (Brad) Brinkley, Jessica (Brian) Hollingshead, Austin (Megan) Wagner, Kylie Brown, Chance (Tiffany) Henke, Sydney Henke and Kaleb Shumway; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings, Beverly McCoy, Diane Henke, Doyle (Cheryl) Henke and Beth Jayne (John) Wilkinson; son in-law, Robert Barnes; brother in-law, Gary Ellefson; numerous nieces and nephews; and his Hilltop Manor family.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Denise Barnes; and sister, Brenda Ellefson.
Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt with Reverend Kendal Utt presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hilltop Manor in Cunningham, in care of Larrison Mortuary, to be used for continuing resident activities that were very important to Darrel during his residency there.