Elaine Henkel, 94, of West Brooklyn passed away, Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2025 at Stonecroft in Mendota.  Elaine was born on March 9, 1931 in Sublette, the daughter of Francis and Clara (King) Leffelman.  She married Don Henkel Aug. 26, 1950.   A beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She left this world surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply.  She was a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Brooklyn, IL and later Holy Cross Church in Mendota, IL.  For 64 years, she was faithfully by the side of her beloved husband, Don.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Clara (King) Leffelman; her husband Donald Henkel; son Dean Henkel; Grandson Nathan Henkel; Son-in-law Scott Diedrick; her brothers, Robert (infant), Melvin Leffelman, Eugene "Gene" Leffelman, and Ronald Leffelman.
She is survived by her children, Susan (Michael) Pratt of Dixon, Sharon (Frank) Ruffalo of Elgin, Dennis (Diane) Henkel of West Brooklyn, and daughter-in-law Paula Henkel of West Brooklyn; nine grandchildren: Andy and Peter Pratt; Ryan, Zach, and Devin Henkel; Laurie Walscheid; Holly Gabrys; Lisa Jones; and Katy Faber; twenty-four great-grandchildren; sisters Velma Quest and Doris Latta and sister-in-law Eileen Leffelman and many other family members and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Public visitation will be Tues. Dec. 2, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30AM held Wed. Dec. 3, 2025 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mendota.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Mendota Area Senior Services.  Visit www.horner-merritt.com for online guestbook.