Willard J. Henken

Willard J. Henken, 93, of Fond du Lac, passed away on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at home. He was born August 15, 1927 to the late John and Emma (Korth) Henken.

Willard was united in marriage to Dolores Ebert on August 25, 1949.

Willard received a Doctorate in School Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1966. He was a teacher and Principle at Cedarburg High School in Wisconsin and the Superintendent of the American International School in New Delhi, India. Willard was a Professor of Education at Wisconsin State University – Oshkosh and the Director of the Oshkosh University’s Summer School Program. He was a proud member of the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin – Madison Alumni Associations.

Willard was the founding Dean of the University of Wisconsin Center – Fond du Lac.

Willard served as the Chair Person for the Fond du Lac County Bi-Centennial Committee. He was President of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Ambassadors Club. He was President of the Board of Directors of the Fond du Lac Convention and Visitors Bureau. Willard served on the Board of Advisors for the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band for twenty years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Fond du Lac County Fair Board and was the Fair Board’s President for four years.

Willard was the recipient of the Marian College Magnificat Award, the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Alumni Association Anniversary Award, and Rotary Club Paul Harris Award. Willard and Dolores Henken were named recipients of the 2016 Fond du Lac Area Foundation Legacy Award.

Willard proudly served in the United States Navy.

Willard is survived by a brother, Robert Henken (Janet) and a sister, Sophia Evans; and a son, Thomas Henken (JoAnne). Willard is also survived by a brother-in-law, Paul Ebert (Florence), a sister-in-law Audrey Synkema, a son-in-law, Don Zibung and a daughter-in-law, Bobbi Henken. Willard is also survived by seven grandchildren: David Henken (Lisa), Daniel Henken (Megan), Derik Henken, Cory Zibung, Kyle Zibung, Nicole Howe (Henken), and William Henken.  He is survived by five great grandchildren, Rex Henken, Troy Henken, Dean Henken, Archer Henken and Haleigh Henken, and seven nieces and nephews.

Willard was proceeded in death by his wife, Dolores, his parents, and a stepmother, Harriet (Harper) Henken, a daughter, Susan Zibung, a son, Richard Henken, and a brother-in-law, Reverend Victor Ebert.

Due to the current pandemic, services will be held at a time to be determined later. Cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be directed to Hope Lutheran Church.

The Henken Family would like to extend special gratitude to Agnesian Hospice Hope.