Jean Ruth Henke

Jean R. Henke, age 77

Jesus took Jean gently by the hand, carrying her home to be reunited with her husband Ken on June 9, 2026.

Jean Ruth Goede was born on July 2, 1948, in Wabasha, MN to Bruno and Ruth (Lawson) Goede. She grew up in Plainview, MN and graduated from Plainview High School in 1966.

Jean was married on Nov 25, 1972, to SSG Kenneth W Henke. The couple lived in Killeen, TX before moving back to MN in 1975 after Ken's Honorable Discharge from the Army. They were blessed with one daughter, Mychelle. Jean retired from Strongwell as Human Resource Administrator after 27 years.

Jean was a member of Chatfield Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6913 of Chatfield, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 179 of Plainview.

Jean is survived by her daughter Mychelle of Chatfield, sister Julie Eggenberger (Joel) of Green Valley AZ and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and brother Bill Goede (Marie).

Did you know Mom rode a motorcycle in her youth and kept up her license her whole life! She enjoyed traveling, thrift stores, Quilt Shop Hops, sewing, creating greeting cards, and baking her famous roll out sugar cookies. She treasured memories of husband Ken and shared his love of Country, daughter Mychelle and love of being a mom, and spending time with her sister and extended family. She enjoyed her Wine Thirty neighbors, following the Minnesota Vikings, a member of the Castle Quilters, and her Chatfield home and the Lake House. Jean stitched all these pieces together with love, creating her favorite quilt, which was her life.

Mom/Jean will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Hoff Funeral Home in Chatfield, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the Church. The memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Chatfield Lutheran Church. Interment immediately following service in Crown Hill Cemetery, Preston, MN

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice, in Jean’s name. 

Hoff Funeral Home Chatfield is assisting the family.