Dates
Werner Berthold Henke, 99, of Fredericksburg, Texas passed away on March 26th, 2022.
Werner was born on October 9th, 1922 in Fredericksburg to Edwin and Olga Henke who brought him home to the family ranch in a horse and buggy. He lived in the same house, built by his parents in 1918, his entire life. He was baptized at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg in 1923 where he was confirmed in 1936. Werner rode his horse, Kitty, to Wolf Creek School which he attended from 1928 to 1936. In 1940, he graduated from Tivy High School in Kerrville where he was active in FFA and honored as a Lone Star Farmer. He then graduated from Schreiner Institute in Kerrville in 1942.
Werner loved flying in his Piper Cub and later, his Aeronca Champion. He soloed on June 25th, 1944 and was active in fly-ins, excelling in flying competitions.
He married Lorene Mittendorf on September 14th, 1947. Their first son Clyde was born in 1949, and second son Doyle was born in 1952. Werner and Lorene were married for 63 years until her death in 2010. His life centered around the ranch and his family. Werner was a consummate life-long rancher, highly respected by his peers who frequently sought his advice. He raised sheep and goats, and was known for producing superior commercial cattle. He continued to run the family cattle business until his death. He loved to hunt and always looked forward to the first day of the season. He processed his own homemade smoked venison sausage and jerky, and shot wild turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner. The family grew up enjoying his barbequed mutton from his custom fed lambs, and steaks and burgers from his cattle.
Werner had a wonderful sense of humor. When asked for his email address, he would reply, “I don’t have a computer, I use a No. 2 pencil and a Red Chief Tablet”. People sometimes asked if he had lived in the same house his entire life. His reply would be “Not yet!”.
Werner was active in Fredericksburg Jaycees, was a director of the Kerr County Livestock Show, served as President of the Hill Country Hereford Association, and as Vice President of the Texas Hereford Association. He served on the church council at Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville and was proud to serve on the building committee during the church renovation in the 1960’s. He was a charter member of the Board of Directors of Hill Country Memorial Hospital during its construction.
Werner was predeceased by his wife, Lorene, his parents, Edwin and Olga, his sisters, Agnes Lundstedt, Caroline Henke, and Margaret Henke. He is survived by his sons, Dr. Clyde Henke and wife Pam Medlin Henke of San Angelo, Texas, and Doyle Henke and wife Nan of Fredericksburg, Texas, and his grandchildren, John August Henke of Ventura, California, and Meredith Henke of Tucson, Arizona.
The family will greet friends on Wednesday, March 30th from 4 to 6 P.M. and on Thursday, March 31st from 9 to 10:30 A.M. in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. in the chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg with the Rev. Mike Williams officiating.
Graveside services and interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Gary Kott, Rodney Kott, Russell Kott, David Lundstedt, Glen Bockhorn and Derek Bockhorn
Honorary pallbearers: Mike Martin, Elmer Ahrens, Brandon Berdoll, Adam Groshahs, Larry Guy, Happy Feller and Juan Rios
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Hill Country Youth Ranch in Ingram, Texas, Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville, Texas or the charity of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home