Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Carolyn Henke Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
She was born on October 6, 1944 in Springfield, IL to Charles and Virginia (nee Norman) DeLay. She was educated in Coal City, graduating from Coal City High School Class of 1962. Carolyn married Donald Henke on October 12, 1963 at the Coal City United Methodist Church. Together, Carolyn and Don raised their family of 3 daughters and became devoted grandparents and great-grandparents.
Carolyn retired after many years, working as a secretary in the Department of Energy for the State of Illinois. She was a member of the New Community Christian Church in Morris. Carolyn enjoyed spending her time tending to her flower gardens. She was a lover of sweet treats of any kind including cookies and pastries. She liked playing card games such as Euchre and especially Uno with her great-grandkids. The outdoors and travel provided much fun for Carolyn and Don. They enjoyed walking, fishing and sitting by the fire at the Coal City Area Club, going on many bus trips all over the United States and they loved their time spent each November in Ft. Myers Beach, FL. Many evenings, Carolyn and Don just liked "tooling" around the streets of Coal City.
She is survived by her three daughters, Karen (Lou) Dinelli, Janet (Darryll) Miller and Lisa (Dave) Heelan; 9 grandchildren, Kristen Henke, Ryan (Erin) Onsen, Kayla (Brandon) Paulsen, Katelyn (David) Young, Dalton (Alexa) Onsen, Jake (Meredith) Larson, Caeley Larson, Lyndsay Larson and Scott (Sonia) Dinelli; 14 great- grandchildren; her brother, Larry (Cherie) DeLay; her sisters, Sharon (Mike) Dudley and Barb (Wes) Parkhill; and a brother-in-law, Ron Henke.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Donald Henke; her parents, Charles and Virginia DeLay; and a sister in infancy, Esther DeLay.
Visitation will be on Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 2:00 pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 4:00 pm at the Ferrari Funeral Chapel, 1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL 60416. Pastor Kevin Yandell will officiate.
Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Private inurnment will be at Braceville Gardner Cemetery.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com
Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements.
Ferrari Funeral Services
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
1044 Ferrari Drive, Coal City, IL 60416
Make a Donation
in Carolyn Henke's name
People and places connected with Carolyn
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Carolyn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Carolyn Henke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
