Merritt Paul Henkel Obituary (1954 - 2024)

FLANAGAN- Merritt Paul Henkel, 69, of Flanagan passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at home. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Calvert- Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home in Flanagan. His funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Flanagan with Pastor Ben Blobaum officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Lunch and celebration of life at the Flanagan American Legion will immediately follow. Please wear a tropical shirt in his honor. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice. Calvert- Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home in Flangan is in charge of arrangements. Merritt was born in Bloomington on September 24, 1954, a son to Paul and Dorothy Russell Henkel. He married Brenda Ahrends in Flanagan on December 28, 2016. She survives. Also surviving are his two sons, Evan (Janelle) Henkel, Fairbury, Lane (Kristin) Henkel, Pontiac; grandsons, Owen, Jack, Charles, Eli, and one on the way; sister, Diane Allen; brother-in-law, Lyle (Carol) Ahrends; sisters-in-law, Navana and Diane Ahrends; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Merritt graduated from Flanagan High School in 1972. He worked for Caterpillar in Pontiac for 37 years and farmed the family farm for many years. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served on the board. He was also a 40-year member of the Flanagan Lions Club and was a member of the Pontiac Elks Club. Merritt enjoyed family vacations and fishing trips. He enjoyed winters in Florida and was famous for wearing tropical shirts. He enjoyed watching his grandsons’ sports. He was known for his beautiful lawn and flowers. Most of all, he loved his family and his friends with his whole heart. Online condolences and memories may be sent to his family at www.calvertmemorial.com.