Henry P. Juckem, age 91, of Hilbert, died on Sunday April 10, 2016, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. He was born April 25, 1924, in Chilton, son of the late Peter and Margaret (Salm) Juckem. Henry married the love of his life, Vera Esler, on June 7, 1949, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Kaukauna. They worked side by side operating the Hanver Registered Holstein Farm in the town of Chilton. Henry was recognized as 'farmer of the year' in Calumet County. Henry's creativity served him well while working on the farm. He used his wisdom and creativity to help build his home and raise his family. When Henry and Vera weren't working on the farm, they loved their travels around the United States, Europe, and Panama, as well as the site of their honeymoon, Canada. They also enjoyed time together dancing to polka music, and Henry never passed up an opportunity to dance with his children when polka music was playing on the radio or television. Henry and Vera also appreciated the calming rest and relaxation of sitting on their glider swing in the front yard while watching the birds.Henry was a great dad, playing baseball with the kids and helping them with their projects. Henry also loved to spend time with his family playing sheepshead, talking about family history, and sharing jokes he had collected. He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert and was deeply devoted to his parish and to his Catholic faith which carried him throughout his entire life. Survivors include his children: Sister Carol Juckem (Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity), Pat (Fran) Siegwarth, Barb (Don) Nelson, Christine (Wayne) Sportsman, Alice (Joe) Evers, Nick (Diane) Juckem, Irene (Paul) Hassler, Gloria (Bill) Mueller; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; his brother Joe Juckem; 2 sisters: Gert (Norb) Kabat, Marge (Hugo) Schwoerer; and a sister-in-law, Sister Mary Christopher Esler. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vera; and his brothers, Richard, Francis, and Edwin Juckem. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, April 15, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church (108 S. 6th St.) in Hilbert, with the Rev. Michael Betley and Dcn. Steve Vande Hey officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Appleton Post Crescent Apr 13 2016