Carolyn Thelma Henke

ONALASKA - Carolyn Thelma (Thompson) Henke, 83, of Onalaska, WI, passed away peacefully at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones, on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Carolyn was born July 9, 1929, in Barron, WI, to Stella (Oleson) and Ole Thompson. Carolyn grew up and attended high school in Rice Lake, WI. She moved to St.Paul and was employed by North Central Airlines.

She met her future husband, Don Henke, at a dance and it was love at first sight; they married June 11, 1949, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, WI. In 1969, they purchased the Crest Motel and Supper Club in Caledonia, MN. The family owned and operated the Crest until 1975.

Carolyn moved to Onalaska, WI in the 90s and worked for the Insurance Center. She also provided in-home daycare for many years. She retired from daycare and moved to Pinedale Apartments until she made her final home at the Onalaska Care Center.

Carolyn loved playing cards and board games with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She had fond memories of camping trips and spending time at her boathouse in Lawrence Lake-Brownsville, MN.

Carolyn is survived by her four children: Michael Henke of Onalaska, Tim (Nancy) Henke of Onalaska, Laura (Mark) DeLisa of Scottsdale, AZ, and Trina (Jim) Scanlan of Caledonia, MN; ten grandchildren: Nikki Henke, Alex Henke, Matthew DeLisa, Danielle DeLisa, Logan Scanlan, Matison Scanlan, Meggan Scanlan, Kerrigan Scanlan, Amy (Sam) Julian, Susie Reithel; and sisters-in-law Bettylou Martin of San Diego, CA, Dolly Thompson of Shakopee, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents Stella and Ole, her husband Don, and brother Ted.

She was an active member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Onalaska where her memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 11:30th tha.m. with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in Carolyns name to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of Onalaska is assisting the family. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.schumacher-kish.com.