Henry B Kerluke

Henry "Hank" Branford Kerluke, 91, of Littleton, Colorado peacefully passed away in his sleep on December 5, 2023.

Henry was born on July 4, 1932, to Peter William Kerluke and Edith Ellen Kerluke (Noyce) in Kimberly, British Columbia, Canada. Henry grew up in Canada with his brother Peter and his two sisters, Eva, and Beatrice. While growing up in BC, he loved spending time with his mother (Edith) out on their farm. He also enjoyed time with "Babe" his horse.

Although Hank only attended school until seventh grade, he had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He was often spending his spare time researching topics of interest or reading books. He enjoyed doing puzzles and whenever surrounded by company you could be sure he would seize the opportunity for a game of chess.
Henry served in the Canadian Army out of Vancouver BC from August 13, 1951. While serving in the army he helped save many other soldiers until he was Honorably Released on April 7, 1953.

Hank was admitted into the United States on July 20, 1953. Soon after arriving he met his first wife Maxine. Together they had four daughters: Anita, Barbara, Eva, and Heidi. After marring his second wife, Marie in 1972, he became a stepfather to 3 more children: Jim, Neta, and Michelle. Later in life Hank and Marie adopted two additional children: Danny and Heather. All nine of his children brought him abundant joy.

With his family, Hank enjoyed traveling, especially to National Parks. He found extreme pleasure in reading broadly and in sharing books with his children. Hank enjoyed playing Chess and cribbage and had an incredible coin collection that he treasured. As he got older, he loved when Pastor Larson would visit him at his home, it brought him great calmness.

Hank was strong willed and stubborn at times, but also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was cleaver and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences. He was a "Jack of all trades" and there was nothing he could not do. He was an astonishing cook both in the Army and in civilian life. He took immense pride in his Automotive Parts Business, H & K Auto/H & B Auto which he owned and operated for over 30 years.

Henry is survived by his sister Beatrice, children: Anita, Eva, Heidi, Jim, Neta, Michelle, Danny, and Heather along with twenty grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and many caring friends.
Henry was preceded in death by both is parents Peter and Edith, his brother Peter, his sister Eva, his wife of 50 years Marie, and his daughter Barbara.

There will be a celebration of life on January 7, 2024, at 2pm. The Celebration of life will be at Ascension Lutheran Church located at 1701 W. Caley Ave., Littleton CO 80120.