Described by friends as “an unconventional priest,” Father Don was known for his generosity of time, love of teaching and his commitment to issues of social justice. Remarkably, he was also a father to eight adopted sons and a grandfather to numerous grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Deacon Jim Damitio, a colleague at Sacred Heart and close friend, says Father Don’s adopted sons meant the world to him. Not only was he generous with his time but he would do anything to help anyone in need.

“He was so kind and so humble,” he says. “He truly lived the seven lively virtues.”

(The seven lively virtues, classically called the seven heavenly virtues of humility, charity, chastity, gratitude, temperance, patience and diligence, oppose the seven deadly sins.)

“[Father Don had] a gift which allowed him to connect with students in a fun and light-hearted way. That is not to say he wasn't afraid to tackle heavy or controversial issues,” said  Shelli Sias, a secretary at Sacred Heart Academy. “My daughters really loved having him as a teacher in the early 2000s.”

She also recalls he was a strong supporter of all life until natural death.

“[He was] the essence of a humble, caring priest and an example of a follower of Christ on Earth,” she said.

Born and raised in Chicago, Father Don began his priestly formation at St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama, where he studied philosophy. He also received a master’s degree in education from Loyola University in Maryland.  He was ordained into the priesthood on May 28, 1966, in Joliet, Illinois, by Bishop Romeo Roy Blanchette.

He traveled and served in many parishes and Catholic schools in numerous states, including Tennessee, Illinois, Michigan, Colorado, Montana and Alaska. In 1986, he relocated to Saginaw and served as associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Shields and worked as a teacher at Nouvel Catholic Central.

Father Don moved to Mount Pleasant in 1987 where he ministered at Sacred Heart Parish and taught in the high school at SHA focusing on his vast studies in world religion, Church history and death and dying.

Father Don was incardinated into the Diocese of Saginaw in 2006 and became a senior priest in 2015, officially retiring from teaching. He continued his priestly ministry as the sacramental minister assigned to Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Henry Church in Rosebush and St. Charles Church in Leaton for many years.

When he arrived at Mount Pleasant he found a need, and served as SHA’s transportation supervisor, where he was instrumental in establishing the transportation system, even having served as a bus driver.

In addition to his role as the parish priest, Father Don was the last priest to teach at SHA.

Teaching and being around students for 34 years was his joy. Father Don cherished teaching and traveling with students each year to the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. He also encouraged more people to get involved either by attending the March or financially supporting the cause. In countless ways, Father Don worked to seek social justice for those marginalized people in society, including serving in prison ministry.

The stories people recall of Father Don Henkes range from his former students he taught to the people he worked alongside.

Michele Reinke, a kinder-prep aide and former elementary teacher is thankful for the memories she has of Father Don who was a part of Sacred Heart’s camping group for more than 30 years.

“Our group loved Father Don. We enjoyed his many Masses under our blue and white tent on Sunday mornings,” she recalled. “We filled at least eight campsites and watched each other’s children grow as we gathered each July. Many times Father Don was introducing another foster child or adopted son, then, in later years, his grandchildren.”

Deacon Jim says he’ll always refer to him as “the good Father Don.”

“That’s how I greeted him for many years because he was such a good man,” Deacon Jim explained.

He lovingly described Father Don as “eclectic” and a “vagabond,” because Father Don traveled to and ministered in many places.

“Along the way, he gathered together a family, having adopted eight boys,” Deacon Jim said. “At one time, he was the best man at one of his son’s weddings.”

Because of their close relationship, Father Don asked Deacon Jim to preach at his funeral. It was his honor to do so.

“My preaching at his vigil covered the seven lively virtues and how well Father Don lived them over his lifetime. His life reminded me of the quote often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: ‘Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words,” he said.

“The virtue that impressed me the most was his quiet generosity,” he continued. “I don’t think anyone knew how many times he reached into his pocket to help someone with the cost of their medications, food or even bail money. He was also generous with his time, a great example to students.”