Frances 'Fran' Henke

Frances ‘Fran’ Henke, 89, of St. Peters, Missouri, passed away on August 2, 2026, at the Villages of St. Peters, surrounded by her loving family.

Fran was born on July 27, 1937, in Glen Carbon, Illinois. She is the daughter of Clarence and Alice (Kinder) McGee. She married James Henke, on March 14, 1953. This union brought forth four children: Gerald, Joseph, Rhonda and Joni. They shared over 44 wonderful years together, until James’ passing on August 22, 1997.

As a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Fran found great joy in holding her children and grandchildren, especially as babies. Family was the greatest love of her life, and she cherished her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild above all else.

During the summer months, she loved welcoming her grandchildren into her home, filling it with love and laughter. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making her family laugh. She also enjoyed camping getaways with her husband and children.

Once she and Jim were empty nesters, they traveled to various locations in the United States. She once stated, ‘the mountains in Colorado were the most beautiful place she had seen.’

She was born into a musical family where her mother would play piano and she and her sisters would sing, which provided a background for her future visits to nursing homes to sing gospel songs to the residents.

She was blessed with a deep love for our Lord, Jesus Christ, especially after the death of her beloved James. She prayed for her children and grandchildren unwaveringly.

Fran remained deeply involved with Panama Methodist Church. Even after being diagnosed with dementia and moving into a supported living community, she continued sharing her faith through gospel music, bringing comfort and joy to her fellow residents. Though dementia was a heavy cross to bear, she continued to serve the Lord by serving others for as long as she was able.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband; son, Joseph Henke, Sr; granddaughter, Marta Henke; siblings, Maurice, Mary Ellen, George, Leonard, Floyd, Schreldia, and Earl McGee.

Surviving Fran are her children, Gerald Henke of Wood River, Illinois, Rhonda (Chris) Andersen of Pontoon Beach, Illinois, Joni (Michael) Gordon of St. Charles, Missouri; grandchildren, Crystal (Kevin) Deichmann, Joseph Henke, Jr., Emily (Ben) Nowicki, Ashley Goetter, Michael (Jarica) Henke, Whitney Andersen, Britni (Gregory) Sisco, Alison (Justin) Schulz; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild, and a sister, Maureen Burris of Highland, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, the family requests memorials to the Panama United Methodist Church, PO Box 796, Panama, IL 62077, in memory of Fran.

Visitation: 10:00 – 11:00 am, Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Assalley Funeral Home, 117 Walnut St., Panama, IL 62077.

Funeral: 11:00 am., following the visitation, with Pastor Ray Snider officiating.

Burial: will follow in Union Cemetery, Panama, Illinois.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Panama with the arrangements.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.