Jay Thomas Henke

Jay Thomas Henke, age 63, of Reedsburg, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 21, 2024 leaving his family heartbroken. He will be deeply missed but his family takes comfort knowing he is free of pain and with his beloved mother, father, and brother in heaven.

Jay will be remembered for his kind heart; he would do anything to help others in need. He loved making sure his family was well taken care of, often making them delicious meals, having get-togethers and cookouts. Carrying on his brother Bobby’s tradition of always having snacks and food set out. He made the best apple pie ever.  He had a great love of NASCAR and Jeff Gordon, even had the nickname DuPont. He looked so forward to race season, having some beers while watching the race, always asking his family to join him.  In his healthier days, he was an avid fisherman, enjoying the outdoors and hunting. His greatest joy in life was his son, Taylor. He was very passionate talking about him all the time and was so proud to be his dad.  He was a painter at Badger Ammunition Plant then at LF Painting until his health issues slowed him down.

Jay is survived by his son, Taylor Jay Henke; brother, Jerry (Linda) Henke; sisters, Joni Matteson, Sara (Chub Klingenmeyer) Osborn, Kim (Dan) Hahn, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Inurnment will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Here once lived a man who got all he ever wanted. Tell me something, who could ask for more than to be living in a moment you could die for.