Irene Henkelman

Irene Henkelman, of Appleton, passed away Friday, September 25, 2026 at Appleton Area Health at the age of 96.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton with burial in the Appleton City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Funeral arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral Home - Vaala Chapel in Appleton. www.andersontebeest.com 

Irene Ruth Von Eschen was born November 30, 1929, in Yellowbank Township, Lac qui Parle County, MN, to George and Ruth (Dallman) Von Eschen. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith. Irene attended country school and later attended and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1947. After high school, Irene worked for the Big Stone County ASC.

She was united in marriage to Vernon Henkelman on October 22, 1954, at Big Stone United Methodist Church. Their union was blessed with nearly 70 years together and three children: Renae, Lynn, and Karen. The couple made their home near Correll, where they farmed and raised their family.

Irene found great joy in caring for her home and family. She enjoyed gardening and canning, raising chickens, exhibiting and attending county fairs, and being involved in 4-H. Irene was also very active in her church and enjoyed taking part in many church activities. 

Irene is survived by her children, Renae (Norman) Giese of Appleton, Lynn (Ruthy) Henkelman of Appleton and Karen (Lynn) Gabrielson of Fergus Falls; 10 grandchildren: Heather (Greg) Rasset, Kendra (Matthew) Hicks, Marissa (AJ) Foltyn, Sheridan (Jennifer) Giese, Nicholas (Laura) Henkelman, Camille (Chad) Anderson, Dustin (Michelle) Henkelman, Davis (Nellie) Gabrielson, Mitchell (Karen) Gabrielson, and Lonnie (Lisa) Gabrielson; 25 great-grandchildren: Brenna (Danny) Tuckett, Mikayla (Keegan) Hamann, Sienna Rasset, Lauren Hicks, Tytus Hicks, Zaine Hicks, Xander Foltyn, Griffin Giese, Olivia Giese, Everly Giese, Ava Henkelman, Elise Henkelman, Carter Anderson, Callista Anderson, Hunter Henkelman, Ella Henkelman, Grace Henkelman, Aria Gabrielson, Myla Gabrielson, Connor Gabrielson, Cade Gabrielson, Bennett Gabrielson, Brooks Gabrielson, Haven Gabrielson, and Onyx Gabrielson; 5 great-great-grandchildren: Braxtyn Tuckett, Isabella Tuckett, T.J. Tuckett, Kianna Tuckett and Mya Hamann; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; brother, Donald (Avis) Von Eschen; and sister, Arlene (Ruthford) Wiese.