Joyce Elizabeth Henkel

Joyce Elizabeth Henkel, 96, a resident of Liberty Village of Geneseo, IL, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 11am at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport; visitation will be from 10am until time of service. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials in Joyce’s name may be made to the food pantry in Geneseo, IL.

Joyce was born February 23, 1930 in Annawan, IL to Rollin and Jessie (Mattingley) Sommers. On May 19, 1957 she was united in marriage to Walter Henkel in Hooppole, IL.

She attended the three year high school in Hooppole, IL, and then went to Geneseo, IL to finish her education. From high school, she worked at the Henry Service Co. in Cambridge. In 1951, she started work for John Deere Co. (Sales Branch). She retired as a settlement auditor in May of 1986 after 34 years and 9 months of service.

She enjoyed sewing, bowling, golfing, and dancing. She was a member of St. John United Methodist Church and WMS at church. She was a member of Henry County Rural Youth.

She is survived by one sister, Carolyn Miller of Annawan, IL; one brother, R. Dale (Jeri) Sommers of Prophetstown, IL; 5 nephews, Alan (Cheryl) Sommers, Terry (Catherine) Sommers, Curtis Miller, Craig (Doreen) Miller, and Corey Miller; and her goddaughter, Nancy Hanks Martin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her nephew, Anthony “Tony” Sommers.