Patricia Ann Shimek Henke, of Hallettsville, passed away on December 17, 2025, in Schulenburg, at the age of 73 years, after a long battle with dementia.  She was the second of thirteen children born on November 6, 1952, to Wence & Helen Shimek.  She grew up in Hallettsville, working on the family farm and helping take care of her younger brothers and sisters.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

After graduating from Hallettsville High School in 1971, Pat continued her education while working, earning her degree as a registered nurse.  She dedicated herself to nursing and took pride in her career as a neonatal nurse at Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital/Oak Bend Medical Center and later Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, retiring in 2018.

Pat married Michael Henke in December 1973, and they made their home in Fairchild raising their three sons, Jason, Ryan and Aaron.  She was an excellent cook and baker, creating custom cakes and desserts for family and friends and had many family favorite dishes requested by her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the annual family beach vacations.  She liked to travel and enjoyed cruises and trips with her nursing friends.

Pat enjoyed being a grandma.  Her grandchildren fondly remember her always willing to play games, listening to music and dancing and sitting outside on her porch to watch the birds and lizards.  A visit to her house always meant something good to eat, especially her blueberry pancakes, cheese dip and homemade cheesy noodles.

The family would like to thank Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center and Amedisys Hospice Care for their compassionate care of Pat.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Wence & Helen Shimek.

Pat is survived by:  her sons, Jason Henke & wife Stacie, Ryan Henke & wife Ashley of Needville and Aaron Henke and wife Krissy of Hallettsville; grandchildren, Riley, Landon, Logan, Luke, Julie, Logan Michelle and Clay Henke; and great-grandson Tatum Henke; as well as her brothers and sisters.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Hallettsville; with Visitation starting at 8:30 am and Rosary at 9:30 am. Pallbearers: Her grandsons, Riley, Landon, Luke and Logan Henke and nephews, Nick Shimek and Dustin Shimek. Officiant: Rev. Michael Rother. Memorials: Catholic Daughters of the Americas and Amedisys Hospice Care.  Burial:  St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery