Father Donald E. Henkes

Father Donald Henkes, a Catholic Priest for more than 57 years, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Father Don was born April 17, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Edward F. and Marie T. (Casey) Henkes. Father Henkes received his elementary education at St. Christina School and St. Thomas More School in Chicago and his secondary education at Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago. He began his priestly formation at St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama, where he studied philosophy. Father Don studied theology at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore. He also received a master's degree in education from Loyola University Maryland. Father Don was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1966, by Bishop Romeo Blanchette at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois. He served in parishes and Catholic high schools in numerous states, including Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Colorado, Montana, and Alaska. He served as chaplain at the Federal Correctional Institution in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1986 he relocated to the Diocese of Saginaw where he served as the associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Shields, Michigan, and as a teacher at Nouvel Catholic Central. Father Don moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1987 where he ministered at Sacred Heart Parish and taught in the high school at Sacred Heart Academy focusing on his vast studies in world religion, church history, and death and dying. He was instrumental in establishing the school's own transportation system and was even a school bus driver himself. During his tenure at Sacred Heart Parish, Father Don was also the sacramental minister at St. Henry Church in Rosebush (now Our Lady of Hope Parish) and St. Charles Church in Leaton for 13 years. Father Don was incardinated into the Diocese of Saginaw in 2006 and became a senior priest in 2015, officially retiring from teaching. Father Don was known for his ministry to young people. He served youth for decades as a teacher and spiritual leader, touching countless lives of parishioners and students. Father Don is survived by his brothers, William (Kim) Henkes and John (Lynn Ann), both of Chicago, IL; eight adopted sons, Kenneth (Shelly), Timothy (Leona), Rick (Isannah), Michael S. (Sandy), Terry (fiancée Brandi), Justin, Michael C. (Samantha), and Shawn (Magdalena); three nieces, Tricia, Katie, and Nicole; nephew, Jeffrey; numerous grandchildren, including those especially close to Father Don: Levi and Quinn, and Orianna, Elianna, and little Rickey; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marie Henkes. Father Don's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 28, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church and will be livestreamed on the Parish's Facebook Page. The Most Reverend Robert D. Gruss, Bishop of Saginaw, will preside, Father Loren Kalinowski will concelebrate, and Father Fred Kawka will be the homilist. Senior Deacon Larry Fussman and Deacon Jim Damitio will assist. The Rite of Committal will take place at Calvary Cemetery following the luncheon (to be held at Sacred Heart Parish Hall). Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Visitation will also take place on Monday, November 27 at Sacred Heart Church from 3-7 p.m. ending with a 7 p.m. Vigil for the Deceased, led by Deacon Jim Damitio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation (for tuition assistance) or to the Isabella County Homeless Shelter. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.