Darrel Louis Henke was born May 4, 1924 on a farm southwest of Syracuse, Nebraska. He was the son of Louis and Bertha (Eisenhauer) Henke. He departed this earthly life on September 29, 2015 at the age of 91.

Darrel was baptized June 8, 1924 at his farm home. His sponsors were his grandfathers, Herman Henke and Henry Eisenhauer. He started school in June of 1930 at District Number 80, a one room country school. He finished 8th grade and graduated from this school in the spring of 1936. Fifty years later he earned his high school diploma from Southeast Community College.

Darrel was confirmed April 10, 1938 at the St. Johns Evangelical church in Syracuse, Nebraska by Pastor Bechtold.

Darrel helped his parents farm until his marriage to Helen Alberta Freudenberg on September 19, 1946. Together they enjoyed farming, playing cards and touring. They traveled extensively and took over 90 tours to all 50 states, Canada, Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia. They also enjoyed dancing and being with their three daughters, Patsy, Doris and Betty and their families. Darrel also enjoyed woodworking and genealogy. He has created many beautiful pieces of art and furniture for his family to enjoy. Darrel was also ready and willing to provide transportation to individuals around the area to theaters, dinners and other social events.

Darrel was a member of the Country School Board, Otoe County Extension Board and the Church Board. The Henke family was featured as the WOW-TV Farm Family of the Week in 1971. Darrel was the Burgermeister for the 1986 Germanfest. Darrel and Helen Henke were king and queen for the 1993 Germanfest.

He is survived by his wife: Helen, and their 3 daughters: Patsy (Stephen) Meyer of Lincoln, Doris (Denis) Klausen of Boelus, Betty (Kevin) Colbert of Weeping Water. Grandchildren: Melanie Cathman of Blue Mounds, WI, Tracy (Scott) Ensor of Unadilla, Ryan Klausen of Dannebrog, NE, Samantha Colbert of Astoria, NY. Great-grandchildren: Braedon Cathman, Marcus & Shawnee Ensor. Sister: Darlene Stutheit of Lincoln, sister-in-law: Gladys Kirchhoff of Syracuse along with many friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Johnny & Ruth Freudenberg, brother-in-law: Glenn Kirchhoff.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday October 2 at 11 A.M. at St. John's United Church of Christ in Syracuse. Burial will be at Park Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday October 1 from 9 A.M. until 9 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home in Syracuse.

Memorials are suggested to the Syracuse Rescue Squad, Syracuse Fire Department or St. John's United Church of Christ.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441