MENDOTA - Kenneth Jacob Henkel, 74, passed away March 9, 2021 in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 on Monday, March 15 at Holy Cross Church with Rev. Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 14 at the Wasmer Funeral Home. Masks are required and social distancing observed. Pallbearers will be Adam Henkel, Brian Henkel, Eric Henkel, Olivia Henkel, Michael Kasprak, Adrianne Ott, Jeffrey Politsch, Matthew Politsch, and Michelle Wisbey.

Ken was born Nov. 19, 1946 to Leo and Margaret (Funfsinn) Henkel.

Survivors include one brother, Ron (Linda) Henkel of Mendota; two sisters, Janet (Bill) Politsch of Princeton and Linda Kasprak of LaSalle; one sister-in-law, Sherry Henkel of LaSalle; three nieces; six nephews; 18 great-nieces and -nephews; two aunts and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bernie Henkel on May 8, 2014; and one brother-in-law, James Kasprak.

Ken was a 1966 graduate of Mendota High School. He worked for Fred Brown Carpentry in Mendota, Sunstrand in LaSalle, and Caterpillar in Aurora for 39 years. He was a member of UAW Union Local #145, a Charter member of Mendota Knights of Columbus #2090, and Holy Cross Church. He enjoyed restoring cars, especially his original black 1970 Dodge Charger. He loved to fish and had a great love for country western music and spending time and seeing his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Knights of Columbus #2090 or Holy Cross School.

Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.