Lewis Henkel

Lewis H. “Dewey” Henkel passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 1, 2016. Cremation was conducted and a celebration of Dewey’s life will be held at a later date. Cards of condolences can be sent to Leona Henkel, Lincoln Meadows, 10001 South Oswego, Parker, Colorado 80134. A memorial has been established in Dewey’s memory at Porter Hospice, 2525 S Downing St, Mason Hall, Second Floor, Denver, CO 80210 where he spent his last days with dignity and peace. Dewey was born November 23, 1925 to Conrad (C.T.) Henkel and Pauline (Yost) Henkel in Burton, Nebraska. At an early age, the family moved to Bayard, Nebraska. Dewey graduated from Bayard High School in 1943. He married Leona Maser on November 14, 1948. Dewey farmed his entire life with his wife by his side in the Bayard, Broadwater, and Scottsbluff areas. He was an expert at repairing/building all his farm equipment and was often found in his shop welding, building, and tinkering. The winter months found him working with the cattle he was raising. Through the years, Dewey and Leona enjoyed bowling, square dancing, and fishing. Dewey retired in 1997, and he and Leona moved to Scottsbluff. Even though he was retired, Dewey enjoyed working with his son in cement construction. In 2012, they moved to Parker, Colorado, where he was residing at the time of his passing. Dewey is survived by his wife of 67 years, Leona, son and daughter-in-law Randy and Janey Henkel of Commerce City, CO, daughter and son-in-law Robyn and Bob Van Dyke of Highlands Ranch, CO, grandchildren Farrah Ross of Lakewood, CO, Skip (Ashley) Henkel of Sherwood, OR, Elizabeth Van Dyke of Parker, CO, Robyn (Tony) Calarco of Las Vegas, NV, and Ryan (Amanda) Van Dyke of Crossville, TN. Dewey was the light of his surviving great-grandchildren’s lives. Logan and Ellie Ross, Charlei and Asher Henkel, and Gavin Calarco loved their great-grandpa and spent many happy hours with him. How blessed they are to have known him! Also surviving Dewey’s passing is his sister Darlene and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenny and Howard, and sister Filicean. He was the greatest Husband, Dad and Grandpa Not a stuffy, distant one His hair reflected shades of gray But his spirit was bright and young We always knew he loved us For his smile was easily found Mirrored in his twinkling eyes Whenever we were around Rest in Peace, Grandpa