Jerry was a lifelong member of St. Roch Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Woodman of the World. His biggest pleasure was his being a founding member of the Colorado County Fair, for which he served faithfully for 40 years and as President

13 plus years. He was a member of TAF&E and was honored to have served as a member of the State Board of Directors, receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. He made many lifelong friends with other county fairs across the state of Texas. Anyone who truly knew Jerry knew his love for the children of Colorado County. He was honored by having the Entertainment Stage area named the Jerry Henneke Entertainment Center.

As a lifelong farmer, he enjoyed raising cattle, producing some of the best hay in the area, and as a peanut farmer, he was known as “Peanut Man”. In his younger years he enjoyed participating in the tractor pulls all over the state of Texas. He loved to dance, being one of the best and smoothest dancers of polka, waltz & country music. Another favorite of Jerry in his later years was going on Polka Cruises. He often said, “I never thought I would ever be dancing on water”. He was a man of honor- if he gave you his word on something, you could “take it to the bank”.

Jerry is survived by his wife Carol, son Dwayne Henneke, grandsons Cody and Koldin Henneke, great grandchildren Wyatt and Josie Henneke, brother Robert Henneke and wife Connie, niece Christina Siptak and husband Randy, nephew Bobby Henneke and wife Emily, sister-in-law Kathy Henneke, nieces Lari Samford, Aimee Wieland and husband Steve. He is also survived by 7 great nieces and nephews. Countless cousins and friends survive him. He was predeceased by his parents, son Jerry “Butch” Henneke, Jr., brother Larry Henneke, the mother of his sons, Brenda Kocian and fiancé Joyce Kemper.

Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m.at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. A parish prayer service and rosary will follow at 7 p.m.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Roch Catholic Church in Mentz with Fr. Wayne Wilkerson officiating. Visitation at church will be from 9 to 10 a.m.

Burial will follow in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Cat Spring.

Pallbearers are Dwayne Henneke, Cody Henneke, Gary Kunkel, Karl Ed Valenta, Kent Brod, and Jimmy Brown.

Honorary pallbearers are B.J Valenta, Gordon Goebel, Dilly Dilly Club, Mac Janak, BB and David Pilsner.

Memorials may be given in Jerry’s honor to Colorado County Fair Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 506, Columbus, TX 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.