John R. Henle, age 84, of New Prague, died peacefully with his wife at his side, due to complications of Covid 19 on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at District One Hospital in Faribault.  John was born on December 16, 1936 in New Ulm to Alfred and Viola (Hofmeister) Henle.  He attended 12 years of Catholic School, graduating from Holy Trinity High School and then went on to complete his Bachelor Degree in Music from McPhail College of Music.  John married Jacqueline Connors on August 26, 1958 at Woodstock, MN.  Music and hard work defined John's life.  He was the band director in Granada, MN and Waldorf-Pemberton, before coming to New Prague in 1965, where he built and refined the band department at NPHS.  He loved his students and not only influenced but developed friendships with them as well.  John was a dedicated musician, playing with many bands throughout his life, including the Original German Band in New Ulm.  He was especially proud of his membership with the Schells Hobos, a band that performed in parades and concerts throughout the state.  When John wasn't making music, he was involved in building spec houses and managing rental properties, even taking a couple of years off from teaching.  The lure of the kids and the music brought him back to the career that he loved and John finally retired in 1991 from teaching.  His affable personality and ability to share stories and memories will be missed by so many.

John is survived by his wife, Jackie of New Prague; children, Shelley Sauer of Portland, OR, Jayne Wolfe of Santa Fe, NM, Tom Henle of New Prague, Stacy Henle of Corvalis, OR;  grandchildren, Holly and Tali Sauer; Sister, LeAnna Brown of St. Peter.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Henle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli with Father John Lapensky officiating.  Visitation will take place from 9:00 – 10:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home Saturday morning.  Mass will be live-streamed on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8fZBpiMKSZHLvdRQ5eI1TA Masks are strongly recommended in both places.  Private family burial will take place after Mass at St. John's Cemetery in Veseli.  Lunch will follow at the KC Hall in New Prague.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the donor's choice.