Dorothy Henkel

April 19, 2019

Dorothy Ann Henkel was born November 5, 1935, in rural Clara City, Minnesota, to John and Anna (Jandl) Zeller. She was baptized and later confirmed in her faith, both at St. Clara’s Catholic Church in Clara City. Dorothy attended the St. Clara’s Parochial School and years later went back to school to earn her GED which she did. On February 26, 1957, Dorothy was united in marriage to Arnold Henkel at St. Clara’s Catholic Church in Clara City. The couple made their home for a time in Renville and Granite Falls. They then moved to Maynard area and also near Montevideo for a couple years. In 1973, Dorothy and Arnold moved to Clara City. They were blessed with children, Michel, Nancy, Mark, Gretchen, Steven, Karen, Susan, and Joseph. Dorothy worked as a nurse’s aide at the Granite Falls Hospital and later became a ward secretary there. When she moved, she went to work at the Clara City Care Center as a nurse’s aide. Dorothy’s faith was important to her and was a member of St. Clara Catholic Church. Dorothy enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, word searches, cooking and baking. She had the greatest patience when it came to teaching her grandchildren how to bake, no matter how much flour was spilled. Dorothy will be remembered for her caring heart that she showed to others, she furiously loved her family and was known to many as the Candy Grandma. Dorothy Henkel passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2019, at the Clara City Care Center. Dorothy is survived by her children, Michel (Audrey) Henkel of Kiester, MN, Mark (Jane) Henkel of Maynard, Gretchen Fretheim of Minnetonka, Steven (Mary) Henkel of Pennock, Karen Henkel of Clara City, Susan (Jeff Gilbertson) Henkel of Willmar, Joe (Pam) Schlagel of Clara City; son-in-law, Kevin Volker of Herman, MN; grandchildren, Aaron (Molly) Volker, Kayla (Jed Lye) Volker, Shara (Bennett) Goldenstein, Jolee Henkel, Kelby Henkel, Katie (Larry) Benson, Marissa (Jordan Quade) Fretheim, Shawn (Joy) Henkel, Isaac (Beth Roiger) Henkel, Samantha Henkel, Peyton Schlagel; great grandchildren, Erin, Andrew, Henry, Michael, Jay, Keana, Mia, Michael, Graesyn; brothers, Eugene (Grace) Zeller of Clara City, Gerald (Clara) Zeller of Clara City; sister, Martha Frerich of Foreston, MN; as wells as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; parents, John and Anna Zeller; daughter, Nancy; great granddaughter, Nora Volker; brother-in-law, Robert Frerich. In lieu of flowers, Dorothy's request is to give to your charity of choice.