Harlan “Sam” Henke, age 89, of Wisconsin Rapids died Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at Whispering Pines Assisted Living, Plover, WI.

Funeral Services are 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Visitation will be at Ritchay Funeral Home on Tuesday from 9:00-11:00 AM. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park with military rites provided by American Legion Post # 9 of Wisconsin Rapids.

Sam was born January 25, 1929 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Clarence and Bertha (Lipka) Henke. He married Elaine Vanderhei and she preceded him in death in 1981. Sam was employed at Nepco for 41 years retiring as the paint shop foreman. He also owned and operated his own paint business.

Sam served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was a long time member of the Wiscosnin Rapids Elks Club. Sam was an award winning wood carver and was an avid golfer.

Sam is survived by one son, Thomas (Lois) Henke of Junction City, WI; five grandchildren, Samantha Henke, Cassandra (Tom) DeWitt, Nicole Henke, Jared Henke and Elyse Henke; three great grandchildren, Peyton, Heath and Blake Henke; one brother, Joseph Henke of Port Edwards, WI and three sisters, Rosie Oesterreicher of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Althea (Don) Gundersen of Stevens Point, WI and Charlotte Carlson of Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Wife, Elaine; son, David; one brother and two sisters.

The Henke family would like to thank the staffs at Heartland Hospice and Whispering Pines Assisted Living for the kind, compassionate care given to Sam.