David John Henkel, age 79, of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, with his family near his side, after complications from blood cancer.

David was born August 21, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Ruth Lucile Henkel (née Hawkins). He grew up throughout Milwaukee and attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, later graduating from Rufus King High School in 1965.

A standout competitive swimmer, David was among a few collegiate sprinters in the late 1960s who swam the 50-yard freestyle in the 21-second range—an achievement that helped change the direction of his life and opened the door to higher education. He attended Adams State University in Colorado, earning a B.A. in Education in 1969 and later a master's degree.

After college, David worked at the Pabst Brewery in Milwaukee as their 3rd shift brewery quality control chemist.

In 1970, he joined the Germantown, WI School District, hired to start the high school's first swim team. He taught high school Biology and Psychology for more than three decades, started Germantown's summer swim lesson program, and especially enjoyed teaching lifeguard training. David retired from the Germantown School District in 2003.

David married Joan Marie Kane on August 12, 1972, at St. Clement Church in Lancaster, Wisconsin. After living in Germantown, they moved to Cedarburg in 1977, where they raised their two sons. David was a longtime member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church and also attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Newburg. He was known for his humor, his daily lap swim routine, and his deep pride in his family—especially his grandchildren.

David is survived by his wife Joan Henkel, his two sons John (Tedan) Henkel and Daniel (Michelle) Henkel and his two grandchildren Saoirse and Keenan. He is further survived by his sister, Marilyn Roberto (nee Henkel), his brother Father Bill Burkert, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Lucile Henkel.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the historic St. Francis Borgia (SOUTH) Catholic Church (Downtown Cedarburg), N44 W6055 Hamilton Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Father Tom Devries will preside over the Mass.

Interment will follow at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the MDS Foundation.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all healthcare providers who cared for David throughout his illness, and to the many blood donors whose generosity made a difference.