By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
4 Comments
    • Service

      A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date; further updates will be added to Meridith Funeral Home website.

    • Full Obituary

      Darren C. Henke, 59, of Highland, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at HSHS St. Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL, with his family by his side.

      He was born on September 17, 1965, in Highland, IL, to Marvin C. and Darryll B. (nee Fertch) Henke.

      Darren has lived in Highland for most of his life. He grew up on a small pecan grove farm a mile outside of Highland and graduated from Highland High School in 1985, then got his Associated Degree in Hospitality from Belleville Area College (now known as Southwestern Illinois College). He worked for Diamond Mineral Springs Restaurant in Highland as a cook for 30 plus years, and Eaton (formerly known as B-Line) as a machinist for 20 years.

      Darren faced many challenges throughout his life but always found time to enjoy golfing, fishing, photography, and taking vacations in tropical places, loving the beach. He worked hard and played hard. Darren was an excellent cook, famous for his seafood and pasta dishes. He was outgoing, loved socializing with his friends and family, and marched to the beat of his own drum. Darren had a well lived life and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

      He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin C. Henke; stepfathers, Wayne Wiegand, Leon Zobrist; uncles, Dennis Fertch, Richard Henke, Raymond Bertels, Leto Wernle; aunt, LaVerne (nee Henke) Wernle; paternal grandparents, Julius and Clara (nee Kruckeberg) Henke; and maternal grandparents, Darrell and Francis (nee Dwyer) Fertch.

      Darren is survived by his mother, Darryll B. Wiegand; siblings, Jeannie E. (Stephen) (nee Henke) Meunier, Daniel M. (Danielle) Henke, Dwayne T. (Jennifer) Wiegand, Deanne L. (Dale) (nee Zobrist) Kimme, Denise L. (Larry) (nee Zobrist) Miener, and Emma L. (nee Zobrist) Jansen; nieces and nephews, Nickolas “Nick” Henke, Aiden Henke, Olivia Henke, Nicole “Nikki” Wiegand, Kendra Wiegand, Elizabeth Henry, Tori Kimme, Courtney (Andy) (nee Miener) Dillow, Christopher (Mercedes) Clark, Sarah Clark, Derek Jansen, and Lucas Weder; uncle, Julius (Darlene) Henke; great aunt, Mary (Dwyer) Barybary; aunts, Sally Hart, Patsy Franke, Laurine (nee Henke) Bertels; a multitude of great nieces and great nephews; and his other adopted families the Faires, the McNeillys and the family from Diamond Mineral Springs Restaurant, who he was very close to, the Michael Family.

      Memorial donations may be made to Siteman Cancer Center.

      Memorial Visitation: Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 4:00 t0 8:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

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    4 Condolences
     
    1. Lori Szegedy / October 11, 2024 at 3:18 pm

      I am sad to learn of your loss. Darren was part of our family, my parents took him in when he needed a home, there were already 6 of us children in the home, what was one more, he was like a brother, he was silly & fun loving. My condolences to you.

    2. Kevin Ratermann / October 13, 2024 at 4:20 am

      Darren was a friend and coworker at Bline in Troy he was always on the go no matter what he did .He would go out of his way to feed us at work and never ask for a donation, He was a great and caring person through out the years I’ve know him.He will be missed by all the people that knew him.

    3. Robert hammer / October 13, 2024 at 9:39 pm

      So sorry to hear about Darren. He was one of the best coworkers I ever worked with. He was a good friend, we kept in touch after I retired. He will be GREATLY missed. I have a picture of us that I will treasure.

    4. Candace D. Charles, DMSc, PA-C / October 21, 2024 at 2:32 pm

      I am sorry for your loss. I have been seeing Darren as a patient for over 6 years. He was very funny and made my day whenever I saw him. I will miss his laugh and him trying for YEARS to get me to come to Mineral Springs restaurant for the good food. Now, I will have to make that trip in honor of him. I will keep your family in my prayers

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