Earlean Turner Hennicke

On June 4, 1941, Earlean Turner Hennicke was born in the midst of World War II, in Banks, Arkansas to George Turner and Lona Lovett.  She never dreamed of the impact she would have on the lives of those she loved.

Eventually, Earlean found herself in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  While she was married for a sort time, she spent most of her life as a single mom to Reginald, Gregory and Hans, Jr.  She worked at St. Luke’s hospital as a housekeeper to make ends meet, but her boys were always her focus.  When her boys attended Cass Street School, Earlean volunteered there as a teacher’s aide.  The boys remember how the teachers delighted in reminding them that their mother was in the building should they begin to misbehave.

Earlean never drove, so going shopping or to appointments meant taking the bus – with her boys in tow.  Once the boys were grown and had cars, she would be picked up by one and taken on her errands – she always appreciated the ride, but appreciated the one-on-one time even more.

Earlean still liked the “old-time” rock and roll that she listened to in her youth – she especially liked Elvis, Fats Domino, Little Richard and The Temptations.  She enjoyed reading, movies and old TV shows – westerns were always a favorite.  When it came to sports, she was a Packers fan and looked forward to March Madness every year.  While she enjoyed healthy snacks like cashews and pecans, she also would treat herself to peanut caramel nutclusters and her favorite – sherbert.

Family was everything to Earlean – and you didn’t have to be a blood relation for her to consider you part of her family, you only had to be kind, loving and loyal.  While Earlean loved being a mother, her greatest joy was being a grandmother to Jasmine and Javon.

On July 17, 2021, Earlean passed away surrounded by family.  She is the cherished mother of Reginald B. Turner, Gregory D. Turner and Hans W. Hennicke, Jr. and the beloved grandmother of Jasmine Reese and Javon Hennicke.  She will be greatly missed by her extended family – Mark, Martina, and Jason as well as all those who loved her.