David C. Henker

David C. Henker, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

David was born July 3, 1935 in Fond du Lac, WI the son of Walter and Mabel Stindt Henker. He graduated from Brandon High School in 1953. David was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having proudly served his country during the Korean War. On October 10, 1959 David was united in marriage to Florence Fryda in Fond du Lac, and they continued to reside in Brandon all their married lives. While residing in Brandon, he owned and operated Dave's Pine Inn for three years, worked at Stokely-Van Camp for five years, and then began his employment with Fox Lake Correctional in 1962, retiring in 1990. Florence preceded him in death on October 25, 1993.

On May 8, 1998 David was united in marriage to Donna Stelsel in Alto, and they resided in the town of Alto their entire married lives. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus and of St. Brendan’s Catholic Church in Brandon for 31 years, where he served on the church council. Most recently David was a member of Alto Reformed Church. He was a 20-year member of the Brandon Fire Department and a member of the Brandon Village Board. David had a passion for woodworking and was extremely skilled at it.

David is survived by his wife, Donna of Waupun; three children: Scott D. (Pam) Henker, Shane (David) Henker, and Steven (Merianne) Henker; four grandchildren, Adam (Gina) Henker, Angie (Jon) Daiello, Joshua (Faith) Henker, and Stephanie (Joe) Gaskins; three step-children, Phil Stelsel, Rick (Jean) Stelsel , and Peg (Randy) Bresser; 11 great-grandchildren, Louisa, Tommy, Millie, Max, Graham, Everly, Kaylee, Gabriel, Joey, Steven, Annie; 14 step-grandchildren; 24 step greatgrandchildren with three on the way; brothers, Bob (Barb) Henker, Bill (Mariam) Henker, and Gary (Judy) Henker; sisters, Doris Bade, Kay Vande Zande, and Donna (Elton) DeBoer; sister-in-law, Annette Henker; and further survived by many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his first wife, Florence; his parents, Walter and Mabel; his great-grandson, Joesph Jr.; his brother, Doug Henker; brothers-in-law, Don Bade and Warren Vande Zande; and other relatives.

A memorial gathering for David will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Alto Reformed Church, N3697 Co Rd EE, Waupun, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Randy McDaniel officiating.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to SSM Dialysis Center for their loving care.