Heaven gained another angel, John William Henker, age 82, on August 31, 2015. After a short stay at the Temecula Valley Hospital suffering from a massive stroke, the skilled staff of Elizabeth Hospice brought him home to Fallbrook. With his living children Christine and Bill at his side, his body made the beautiful journey to join our loving Lord, family, and friends who preceded him to Heaven.
John was well known throughout the community as president of the Ambassador's group of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, as "Freezer John" as the local food pantry, and a volunteer at the People to People organization.
He was head usher for many years at the United Methodist Church and he and Jan were volunteer ushers at Christ the King Lutheran Church. He enjoyed many years on the golf course. John and Jan even held their own golf tournament, the Henker International Invitational. John and Jan were Charger season ticket holders for 20 years.
John was born May 28, 1933 in Columbus, Wis. He graduated from Columbus High School and went on to the University of Wisconsin Madison. He was thrilled to march in the Rose Parade in 1958 and earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1958.
After graduation, he joined the USAF and headed to Korea. Before he left, he married Marlene (Fifarek) Henker. When he returned from Korea, he and Marlene settled in Mishawaka, Ind. and had their children, Christine and Bill. In 1974, the family moved to California, first to Temecula, then settling in Fallbrook.
In 1979, Marlene passed away from a long illness and John held the family together until he was united in marriage on June 21, 1980 to Jan Cannon and her young son Jim at FUMC where the entire church and family gave Jan to John. They had 35 wonderful years of marriage.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Jan; his daughter, Christine Henker, his son, Bill (Cheryl) Henker; son Jim (Victoria) Cannon; and grandchildren Matt (Angela) Henker, Alyssa Henker
and Max Cannon.
A Celebration of Life aka Tailgate Party for John is planned at the Fallbrook Golf Course under the oak trees in the parking lot on September 12, 2015 at 4 p.m. Please bring your own seating and water if desired. All are welcome to continue sharing memories with the family at the Fallbrook VFW following the celebration, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.