John T. Henk

October 27, 1946 - August 1, 2022

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Friday 8/12, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

St. James Lutheran Church

800 Cincinnati St

Lafayette, IN 47904

Saturday 8/13, 10:00 am

John Thomas Henk, 75, died peacefully on August 1, 2022, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. John was born October 27, 1946 in Lafayette, IN to the late Robert C. and Ruth E. (Frasch) Henk. John was a proud graduate of Lafayette Jefferson and a member of the 1964 State Championship basketball team. He attended Northeast Missouri State for one year on a basketball scholarship before transferring to Purdue University, where he earned his BS and MS in Education. He taught for over 37 years in the Lafayette School Corporation and was a dedicated and enthusiastic basketball and football coach, touching the lives of many of the community’s youth. John was an avid Purdue fan, enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and especially loved watching his grandchildren compete in various sports. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, eating out and watching Colts games.

John was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, the NEA and Purdue Alumni Association. He was a founding member and President of the Lafayette Fire Department Merit Commission. He was also a Meals on Wheels volunteer and most recently a crossing guard for the Lafayette School Corporation.

John is survived by his wife Barbara of 32 years, daughter Lisa (Pat) of Zionsville, son Brett (Angie) of Carmel and daughter Allison (fiancé Adam) of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Zach, Reese and Cooper Nehlsen and Addison Henk; one sister, Mary Loveless, nephew Matt Loveless and niece Melissa Anderson all of Bentonville AR; his first wife and mother of his children Suzanne Henk and four stepchildren, Amy, Stacy, Matt and Jeff Strawn. He is proceeded in death by his best friend and brother-in-law Michael “Bird” Loveless.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, August 12, 2022, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 13, 2022, at St. James Lutheran Church, 800 Cincinnati Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. Graveside services will follow at Spring Vale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 800 Cincinnati Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 or the Lafayette Jefferson Golden Broncho Club, 1801 S 18th St, Lafayette, IN 47905.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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My husband Dale and I were saddened to hear of the passing of John this past week. John was a wonderful man to work with at Tecumseh Middle School. As a senior role model to me and others, John represented the best in all people. He was truly genuine in his support of the teaching staff and his love of teaching children. John did not mince words and one always knew where John stood on an issue. He relished each day and stood up and spoke up during the tough years when teachers were not being paid a fair living wage. John was respected by his students very much because he consistently disciplined them as he taught his subjects. Although we were unable to attend his showing, our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May you find peace and comfort in remembering all of the wonderful memories you hold in your heart for John. God bless you abundantly, Shanna Bradford

Brett, Angie, Addison and all the Henk Family, We are so very sorry for your loss. My your memories bring you comfort. Prayers to for you all being raised. Love, Dave & Shirley

In memory of John T. Henk, CjFreeland lit a candle

John was a great friend for the past 60+ years. We competed against one another in 7th and 8th grade basketball, became teammates at Sunnyside and Jeff, shared homeroom and alternated as student council rep for four years. He was also a baseball teammate one summer when I broke my ankle and was unable to get around--John took the time from his summer vacation to come to my house almost every day. That compassion and loyalty personifies John.He and Barb served as surrogate grandparents to three of our grandchildren who came to Purdue from California and New Jersey and accepted them as part of their family. We will sorely miss our Arni's dinners with John and Barb when Kay and I come back to Lafayette, and I will really miss our weekly telephone discussions about what is good and bad about Purdue's football and basketball teams.RIP good friend, we miss you already.

Mr. Henk was a strong influence in my life and one of the absolute best teachers I ever had. He ran a classroom where both he and his students shared a mutual respect. He also was one of the funniest teachers I ever had. Many great jokes like, “The Dutch, some of the best dam builders in the world. You think about that a while and you’ll get it by about 3:10 today.” My best friend and I had a pretty good impression of Mr. Henk down, and it truly was because we liked him so much. He will be missed but I know I will see him in Heaven, smiling big and hopefully wearing cowboy boots!!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

John was friend from high school played basketball with him 1963 team God bless you John may you RIP

Dear Barb and family I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was truly one of my favorites to play golf with and am lucky to have him as a friend for so many years. He was so encouraging and easygoing it was fun to be with him. My faith says this is only so long for a while and we will meet again. Prayers to you, Dore🙏🙏🙏

Barb Bud and I are so sorry to hear of Johns passing he was always very nice to us. I’ll never forget when my ceiling caved in and he laughed as he painted the room for me. Will miss him.

Barb, My sympathy on your loss. I only met John a few times but I know he made you happy. May he rest in peace

I wanted to let all of you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Debbie

So sorry to hear that John had died. We dated my senior year in high school . It was a spectacular year. We enjoyed ballgames, senior week,prom and played a lot of euchre with his parents . I got to know many of his relatives, My condolences to Barbara, his children and grandchildren and to Mary . Losing Mike and John I’m sure is heartbreaking. The first to die on the 1964 basketball team . So the rest of you make the most of every day. Enjoy life. Sincerely, Kathy

Our sympathies are sent to all in John's family. We are not related except through our son being married to John's niece, Melissa Anderson. We've only met a few times but always enjoyed John's sense of humor & friendliness. It's always so hard to lose a loved one, but we all know that our Lord has taken John under his wing & he's now at peace & that's worth so much. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss & may our Lord bless all of you as you mourn his loss.

To family of Coach Henk; I’m sorry for your loss. John Henk was my 9th grade basketball coach at Tecumseh JHS in the mid 70’s. He was tough and fair; and we had a great team! On a personal note, he taped my ankles before each game & practice. RIP Coach!

Barbara sorry for your loss,May God comfort you through these times and may John rest in peace are prayers our with you and your family ,God bless

Prayers of peace and comfort for all of Mr. Henks Family. Mr. Henk was my favorite teacher during my only year at Tecumseh, everyday I couldn’t wait to be in his Civics Class. He was an excellent teacher! Thank you Mr. Henk and may you Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Wanda Fleming Tecumseh Freshman Class of “81-82”

My condolences to all of John’s family. John was one of my favorite’s as a friend. His personality and friendship on the golf course provides so many memorable moments. Although John was easy going and very likable, he was a fierce competitor when he had a “golf club” in his hand! Great “matches” with so many memorable moments at the “Checkerboard” after playing. R.I.P. my friend! You will not soon be forgotten.

My heartfelt condolences go out to family. John was a true JEFF BRONCHO. I will miss talking with John about all our local athletes. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. God Bless and rest In please my friend. Mark T. Beck

I’m saddened to hear of John’s passing. Our friendship goes clear back to his coaching and my officiating basketball. John never had a bad word to say about a call. As time went on we began to run into each other and became friends. He was one of the good guys. My condolences to Barb and the family.

My deepest condolences to Barb and Mary and all the family! John and I grew up together as classmates at St. James and were confirmed together. He was active in our youth group (Walther League) through high school, and we enjoyed many retreats together. We both attended Sunnyside for the 9th grade, and I would stop at his house, and we would walk to and from school every day, even in the snow! Though I was never in anything athletic, we were still good friends. I last talked with him at our class reunion in 2019, and it was a wonderful and very heartfelt conversation. I will miss him! May God be with all the family, and may his legacy be one to follow for generations.

Johnny and I grew up together as neighbors and I have many happy memories of him and I playing basketball together and going swimming up in Grand Rapids. I am greatly sorry to hear of his passing.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Fellow ‘64 classmate, John Henk, is remembered by me as a genuinely nice, friendly person, who was very respectful of teachers, coaches and classmates. John enjoyed a good reputation by everyone. I recall John as a valuable contributor of the varsity basketball team and a member of the ‘64 Basketball State Champions. Although I had limited contact with him after high school graduation, I would occasionally briefly visit with him when he dropped off meals to my mother while he was volunteering with Meals on Wheels. John leaves a great legacy. My deepest condolences to his family.

Mr. Henk was a fantastic coach and teacher during my Jr. High days at Tecumseh. His witty remarks, cool as a cucumber persona, and energy made it easy for many students/athletes to gravitate toward him. He has been in my thoughts so many times since my days at Tecumseh. Rest easy, Mr. Henk!!

I grew up next door to the Henk family and what great neighbors they were. Johnny was top shelf all the way. Thank you my friend for the rides to school when I was attending Jeff and you were teaching/coaching at Tecumseh. Thanks for being a great human being. RIP

Our condolences to Barb and family. John was a wonderful sharing gentleman to all he came in contact with. Sue and I cherish the moments we were with John and Barb at the class reunions. We know John helped many students and family’s during his career. Our place on earth was blessed with the light John carried. May he Rest In Peace for a job well done.Love Sue and Charlie Thanks for the memories.

Donna and I are saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a vital member of Tecumseh’s staff and a legend in the annals of Jeff basketball history. We will be in Atlanta this weekend visiting Dusty and his family and will miss the service. We will make a contribution in John’s memory. A special thought to Brett and his family on behalf of Damon.Denny and Donna Cahill

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.