John Robert Henke

John R. Henke, 70, passed away at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital on Tuesday March 11, 2025. Son of the late Robert and Dorothy (Strong) Henke. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, on September 5, 1954, but grew up in Brookfield, WI, attending Elmbrook Public Schools. He graduated from Brookfield Central High School in 1972, going on to attend UW schools in Milwaukee and Madison. While at BCHS he participated in Band, Football, Wrestling, and Track and Field. John met the light of his life, Venessa Fears, in 1997 while working at Navistar International. He was a devoted step-father and “Johnny-Bob” to the grandkids. He was also a huge Green Bay Packer fan. John was very mechanically inclined, with a real talent for fixing things. He used these skills professionally, and to help out family and friends. 

He is survived by his partner, Venessa Fears, her children and grandchildren, as well as his sisters, Mary (Bob) Dufour, Ann Kovich, Meg (Andy) Wienser, brother-in-law, Lloyd Tindal, many nephews and one niece. John was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jane Tindal.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date