Carol Henkel
Carol R. Henkel, age 74, of Dorchester, formerly of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Unity Point Health-Finley Hospital in Dubuque surrounded by her loving family. To honor Carol’s life, funeral services were held Monday, June 26 at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, Dubuque with Rev. Aaron R. Junge officiating. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque.
Carol was born November 4, 1942 in Dubuque, the daughter of Oliver, Sr. and Mary (Garrett) Merz. Carol grew up in Dubuque, where she earnestly worked as a cashier at Walsh’s until she eventually met and fell in love with her one true soul-mate, James H. Henkel. The cute couple was united in marriage September 10, 1962 at St. Patrick’s Church and was graciously blessed with over 56 wonderful years of marriage and four deeply adored children.
Carol quickly embraced the role of loving wife and mother and proudly nurtured her family through each and every day with a commitment that would never tire. She was a faithful and long-time member of Sacred Heart Church, and joyfully volunteered many hours of her time in the Bingo Hall. In her free time, Carol enjoyed searching for the newest recipes to add to her already grand collection of cookbooks, and was always up for a relaxing day under the sun with a freshly baited hook in hand.
But, when it came to Carol’s purest pleasures in life, nothing could compare to the precious time she would get to spend with her family. A day with the grandkids and great-grandkids was never taken for granted and she absolutely savored every second along the way. Sadly, today we find ourselves feverishly retaining all of the beautiful memories Carol leaves behind as our hearts ache at their foundation. Thankfully, we know and trust that we’ll see our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend again one day; but until that day arrives, a primary piece of our mind, body and soul must temporarily remain fractured with a void which only treasured memories can fill.
Those left to cherish Carol’s memory include her loving husband, Jim Henkel of Dorchester; her three children, Kathy M. (Sean) Hedges of Dubuque, Kenneth J. (Laura) Henkel of Davenport and Keith J. (fiancée Tricia Witt) Henkel of Letts; her seven grandchildren, Ashley (Adam) Goodwin, Tyler Smith, Andre, Dylan, Jared and Baylee Henkel, and Chris Witt; her four great-granddaughters, Raylee Henkel, Mackenzie Goodwin, Rosalie Smith and Adaley Goodwin, who will make her earthly arrival shortly; her siblings, Dian Bradberry of Dubuque, Donald Merz of Graf, Beverly “Bev” McDermott of Dubuque, Nancy (Dennis) Hermsen of Farley, Terry (Carol) Merz of Dubuque, Cheryl “Sue” (Vince) Lopez of Dubuque, Janice (John) Peil of Dubuque and Dennis Merz of Cedar Rapids; and her numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many friends in Dorchester, especially including her dear friends, Pam and Darcy, but surely not to leave out all of the countless others who have held such a special spot in Carol’s heart over the years.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Karen Sue Henkel; two sisters, Betty (Leo) Vogt and Gloria (Ralph) Cockrell; three brothers, Joseph Merz, Charles (Maxine) Kirkpatrick and Oliver (Rae) Merz, Jr.; a sister-in-law, Joan Merz; and two brothers-in-law, Calvin Bradberry, Sr. and Leo Vogt.
A Carol R. Henkel memorial fund has been established. Carol’s family would like to thank Dr. Mark Liaboe and the nurses and staff at Finley Hospital for all of their compassionate care and support of Carol and her family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com.
