Nolan William Henke

The world feels a little dimmer without the light of Nolan William Henke, who passed away tragically on August 24, 2025 at the young age of 19. Though his time here was far too short, he lived in a way that touched every life around him. Nolan came into this world as the firstborn of twins on March 24, 2006 in Hutchinson, Minnesota, arriving with the cord around his neck. Though his start was difficult, he survived and from that moment on he lived his life to the fullest. Anyone who knew Nolan would tell you that his smile was unforgettable. It had a way of putting people at ease and spreading joy wherever he went. His laugh was just as contagious — full of life, full of warmth, and impossible not to join in. He had a gift for making others feel comfortable, whether you had known him for years or were meeting him for the very first time. Nolan had a heart for helping others and never hesitated to lend a hand. He was happiest when he had tools in his hands, fixing something, building something, or making life easier for someone else. Being a mechanic wasn’t just his work — it was his passion. When he was 15, he got his first job at Zeuli’s Race Engines and Machine Shop cleaning motors and parts. He worked at Big Time Collision finetuning his craft and moved on to St. Michael Auto Body where he defined his craft and did excellent work. He worked during the day and then would come home to work some more in his shed. He started his own business, Henke Repair, when he was only 15, where he proudly used his skills to help others, fixing snowblowers, chainsaws and other small engines. He was a young man of many talents and interests. At an early age, he learned to play the guitar and he loved working on puzzles, enjoying the quiet challenge of piecing things together. He had a soft spot for the family pets, Dolly, Emmett and Cheeto — and loved them “even more than they loved him.” Nolan enjoyed the outdoors and took advantage of being outside often. He was part of a fishing league, and he cherished the memories made on the water. He also had a passion for snowmobiling and recently took a trip to Michigan this past February with his uncle, an adventure he spoke of often. Sports and activities were always a part of his life. From his early years in Cub Scouts, to wrestling in elementary school, and later playing football, he embraced being part of a team and pushing himself to grow. But more than what he did, it was who he was that mattered most. He was generous without ever expecting anything in return. He was loyal, kind, and had a way of making people feel like they mattered. He loved his family deeply, and his friends knew they could always count on him — not just for a repair, but for a listening ear, a good laugh, or steady support in hard times. Even in his passing, Nolan continued his legacy of giving through the gift of organ donation. His selflessness has given others a second chance at life, a final reflection of the generosity he showed every day. Nolan leaves behind his parents, Chad Henke and Missy Posusta and twin brother, Spencer, Grandparents, Rita Nelson, Judy and Orlin (Butch) Henke. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends who will forever remember the moments shared, the laughter echoed, and the quiet ways he showed his love. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Leroy Posusta, Uncles, Corey and Neil Posusta, Papa George, Gigi Vogt, Uncles Gary and Tom Vogt and Uncle Lee and Aunt Helen Henke. Though it hurts to say goodbye, we hold onto the comfort of knowing that his spirit will always be with us — in the sound of laughter, in the hum of an engine, in the strum of a guitar, and in the memory of his smile. His life was a reminder to live generously, love deeply, and never take a single day for granted. A celebration of Nolan’s life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2:00 p.m. at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center where family and friends will gather to honor the beautiful person he was and the impact he made in his short time with us. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 5 at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel from 4-7 p.m. We encourage everyone to come just as they are, in a way that reminds you of him best. Jeans, cowboy boots, and whatever shirt brings him to mind are welcome—whether it’s VW, Ford, Snap-on, Harley, his memorial shirt, or anything you know he would have loved. The Johnson Family Funeral Home in Dassel is in charge of the memorial arrangements.

Nolan William Henke

March 24, 2006 - August 24, 2025