Vernon L. Henze, 83, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at Wabash General Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 13, 1941, in rural Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Jacob Henry and Elise (Kleinschmidt) Henze. He married Barbara Ann Isaac on April 20, 1968, at Zion Lutheran Church, and they enjoyed fifty-six years of marriage focusing on their faith and family.
Vernon proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the 157th Combat Engineering Battalion in Darmstadt, Germany. Barbara and Vernon were weekend leaders in Tres-Dias for forty-six years and were blessed to be among the first to participate in the Walk To Emmaus in Germany. Vernon was a farmer in Wabash County. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and camping. Vernon greatly enjoyed helping his community. He was an asset to the 4-H Youth Foundation and was superintendent of the rabbit program for thirty-eight years. Vernon loved serving his Lord and was a member of Hope Lutheran Church. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Vernon leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara; son, Brian (Heather) Henze; daughter, Lynette (Steven) Henze; grandsons, Bryce (Isabelle) Henze, Preston (Kelsey) Henze, and Zachary Mark; one sister, Doris J. Thurston, and many cousins and friends.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 5:00p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church, 1512 N Cherry St., in Mount Carmel Illinois.
Funeral Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Kramer and Pastor Brad Garner officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery north of Cowling, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made in Vernon’s memory to St John’s Lutheran Cemetery Association. Envelopes will be at the church, or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Vernon’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Henze family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
