Jerald L. Henze, 69, of Dakota went to be with the Lord Saturday, July 9, 2011 at his home. Born December 26, 1941 in Freeport he was the son of Alvin W. and C. Marie Henze. He was a 1959 graduate of Dakota High School. On September 28, 1963 he and Sylvia Julius were united in marriage in Lena. Jerald was a lifelong farmer in the Dakota area and fulfilled his dream of driving truck. He valued his time with his family and friends. Surviving are his wife Sylvia of Dakota; two daughters Jill (Sam) Swanson of Rock City, Sue (Christopher) Yeagle of Orangeville; son Joel (Lorena) Henze of Dakota; son-in-law David Cocanower of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren Jordan, Megan and Evan Cocanower, Alayna, Alec, Austin and Anthony Henze; sister Joan (Wayne) Lemke of Knoxville, TN, Mother-in-law Irene Julius of Monroe; many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and a daughter Cheryl Cocanower. A visitation gathering will be from 5pm until 8pm Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the Daughenbaugh Funeral home in Dakota. A celebration of life will be held 11am Friday July 15, 2011 at the St. Paul Church of Epleyanna, rural Davis, with Reverend Scott Naevestad officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded and private family burial will take place at the Rock Grove Union Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Please leave a message in our guestbook at www.walkermortuary.com.