Michael Frank Henke

Michael Frank Henke from Weimar Texas, passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Paul Henke and Evelyn Christine (Kristek) Henke, his children’s mother, Patricia Ann (Shimek) Henke and brother-in-law’s, Dennis Smirak and Henry Jalufka

Michael leaves behind his loving wife, Princess Victoria Hlavacik-Henke; his three sons, Jason Henke and wife Stacie, Ryan Henke and wife Ashley and Aaron Henke and wife Krissy, step-daughter Princess Rose Bednarski and step-son Donald Lane. Grandchildren, Riley (Bailey), Landon, Logan, Luke, Julie, Logan Michelle and Clay and great-grandson, Tatum; step-grandchildren Princess Marie, Mark, Victoria and Jescen and step great-grandchildren McKenna and Grayson.

Michael was the oldest of seven children and is survived by his sisters, Sharon Gaidusek and Raymond, Diana Starnes and Mike, Debra Technik and Bob, Judy Jalufka and Joan Henke, his brother Douglas Henke as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Michael attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hallettsville, Texas. After graduation he went to work for the State Department before enlisting and being accepted into the United States Navy. He served active duty for four-years, earning the rank of Petty Officer Second Class, serving on submarines and the U.S.S. Steinaker Destroyer. He continued a reserve career for another two years working as a sonar tech on the Anti-Submarine Warfare team, and working with electrical testing, operation and maintenance, shipboard damage control, expandable bathythermograph, weapon division, and military police.

After serving his country and being honorably discharged in 1972, he joined the Houston Police Department, where after his training, he became a Patrol Officer working in both Mounted Patrol, Bicycle Patrol and later a liaison for patrol officers with upper management, retiring after 42 years of dedication. During this time, he was very active in the UFAF (United Fighting Art Federation) where he became a double black belt in karate and traveled with Ed Young, a former student of Chuck Norris. He was asked to join demonstrations for movies, events and openings related to the foundation.

During his life Michael had many interests, his favorite being trail rides. Over the years, he drove his wagon and team of mules in trail rides, parades and demonstrations. He was invited to participate in events including the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in LaGrange. For many years he was a wagon master on the Salt Grass Trail Ride to Houston on Wagon 10, as well as the Texas Trail Riders Association, Austin Founders Ride and the St. Jude Trail Ride and Benefit. He served the Fort Bend Trail Riders Association as President for twenty years and revived the Colorado River Trail Riders Association where he was actively serving as the Vice President. Michael and Princess sponsored many trail rides at their home in Bellville to start off the Houston Ride and continued hosting rides at their home in Weimar. Throughout his life, he was always actively working with his local communities and organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, Lions Club (Needville, Texas), Knights of Columbus, and also received awards from the United States Business Owner Association for his personal business.

Michael enjoyed building his life with his wife Princess, sharing goals of their future and of a retirement of raising colts and fillies. Raising what he felt would bring quality breeds for rodeos and performance horses. He enjoyed a good trail ride, dancing and listening to music, especially his grandson Landon Henke. He enjoyed quality time with family and friends alike, always sharing stories and laughter with all. Michael was always there to offer a helping hand and advice without question or judgement.

The family would like to thank the Davita Dialysis Staff in Sealy, and the nurses and doctors who cared for him at Houston Methodist Hospital and Memorial Hermann Hospital System in Katy and Houston. Everyone became friends quickly because that is who he was, no one was a stranger.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Friday, July 31, 2026, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church of Sweet Home, TX. Visitation at Noon, Thursday July 30,2026 at Kubena Funeral Home (507 South Main Street). Rosary at 7pm. Officiant: Rev. Dominic Antwi-Boasiako. Pallbearers: His grandsons, Riley, Landon, Luke and Logan Henke and nephews Steven Gaidusek and Chad Smirak Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of Michael Henke Burial: Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery.