James H. “Jim” Henkel, age 77, of Dorchester, Iowa, and originally from Dubuque, was peacefully called home to join his loving wife, Carol, and baby girl, Karen, at 5:17 p.m., on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at Hawkeye Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. To honor Jim’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, February 25, 2019, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah officiating. To celebrate Jim’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Jim was born on September 10, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Raymond R. and Lorraine (Spahn) Henkel.

Jim was a proud graduate of the Loras Academy, Class of 1959. After graduation he went to work with the H. Trenkle Company, until he was able to attain a position at the Dubuque John Deere Works in 1965, where he would remain a loyal employee until his retirement in 1996. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Merz, on September 10, 1962, at St. Patrick’s Church, the happiest birthday celebration he could have ever asked for, and they were truly blessed with 56 years together and 4 adored children, before Carol was called home ahead of him on June 20, 2017. Jim was a true outdoorsman who looked forward to any opportunity that presented itself to be outside, whether it be tending to his garden, sitting quietly in the woods hunting, or casting a line along the shore waiting to catch the biggest fish of the day. Jim’s love of fishing would even take them to live in Dorchester, Iowa, for a time so he could take full advantage of the trout streams there. However, there was no denying that Jim’s whole world revolved around spending time with Carol and the children, and when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, his heart was overjoyed. We are deeply saddened at losing our wonderful dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend, but take some comfort in the fact that now his broken heart is happily reunited with his beloved bride, and their baby girl, in their Heavenly home for all Eternity.

Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include

his 3 children,
Kathy M. (Sean) Hedges, Dubuque, IA,
Kenneth J. (Laura) Henkel, Decorah, IA
and Keith J. (Tricia) Henkel, Letts, IA;

his 7 grandchildren,
Ashley (Adam) Goodwin, Tyler Smith, Dylan, Andre, Jared and Baylee Henkel and Chris Witt;

and his 4 great-granddaughters,
Raylee Henkel, Mackenzie Goodwin, Rosalie Smith and Adaley Goodwin.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Carol Henkel; and a daughter, Karen Sue Henkel.

Jim’s family would like to thank Dr. Liaboe and his nurse, Trish, and the nurses and staff of Hawkeye Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Scott, for all of the outstanding care and loving support of not only Jim, but his entire family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com