Marvin Lee "Mike" Henneke passed away Monday August 15, 2011 at Kittitas Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center, with loved ones by his side. Mike was born on October 21, 1942 to Dale and Wilna Henneke in Enid, Oklahoma. Mike was raised by his grandparents, Charles and Emma Henneke after the unfortunate death of his parents. Mike graduated from Birdville High School, Fort Worth, Texas on May 30, 1961. Mike's early years were mainly spent on the family wheat farm just outside of Drummond Oklahoma. Mike joined the United States Marine Corps in December of 1961, serving in Vietnam as a Helicopter Pilot; during his career he was an Administrative Chief, Marine Security Guard and a Firearms Instructor. In October 1971, Mike retired from the Marines only to join the Washington Army National Guard serving from November 1971 to September 1972, as an Administrative Supply Technician. Mike then decided to join the United States Naval Reserve in December 1972. He served until retirement in December 1989.During this time, Mike attended Olympic College earning his degree in Basic Law Enforcement. Mike worked for the Ordinance Department, Bangor Annex from 1972 to 1973, as a Management Assistant, in Key Port, WA. From April 1973 to August 1977, Mike worked for the Forks Police Department as a patrolman. In August 1977, Mike worked as a Field Deputy for the Wahkiakum County, in Cathlamet, Washington. In September 1978, Mike enrolled in Lower Columbia Community College and earned his Associate in Arts and Sciences degree in 1979.In September 1979, Mike continued his higher education and enrolled at Central Washington University to study Law & Justice, Police Science. Mike joined the Kittitas County Sheriffs Department in June 1979. Mike completed his degree in 1982. After 20 years of service with Kittitas County, Mike decided to retire from Law Enforcement in August 1999.Mike was recognized and awarded with numerous honors for his military service and law enforcement career, including receiving the Navy Meritorious Medal, Navy Achievement Medal for Professional Achievement, Letters of Commendation from the United States Naval Reserve; numerous Certificates of Recognition and/or Appreciation from the Forks Police Department, Wahkiakum County, City of Ellensburg and Kittitas County Sheriff's Department. During the summer months, you would find Mike hauling roping steers and/or calves to various rodeos throughout the great Pacific Northwest; which encouraged Mike to join the Pro West Rodeo Association and became a backup rodeo judge. Occasionally, Mike would be hired to haul a few horses cross-country for his regular clients. Mike thoroughly enjoyed these types of road trips.Mike was very passionate about rodeo and the Western way of life. He was a permanent fixture at the rodeo grounds every year. Mike's volunteer work started out by helping stock contractors take care of their rough stock, general maintenance/handyman, even manned the main arena out gate, and later assisted by driving the tractor trailer for the Yakima Indian Nation Rodeo Encampment. Mike was very humbled to receive a beautiful Ellensburg Rodeo trophy belt buckle from the Ellensburg Rodeo Board of Directors for his dedication and selfless volunteer work. Mike became an Ellensburg Rodeo Top Hand from 1992 until 1995 when he officially stepped down; but he continued to volunteer and remain active in an unofficial capacity. In 2006, Mike wanted to contribute even more than his time and made the decision to become a Gold Buckle Club member; which he remained a member until his death.Mike was an avid animal lover and breeder of both quarter horses and cattle dogs. Mike thoroughly enjoyed raising Buckskin quarter horses. His two favorite horses were Buc and Keno. He would spend endless hours grooming and training them. His beloved dogs, Nip and Tuck were always at his side and eager to work. Besides rodeoing, Mike enjoyed cooking, hunting, fishing, camping and playing the occasional slot machines. Mike was a fun loving man, he enjoyed life and was known to have a few jokes to play on people, and he was really good at it. Mike's playful personality and kind heart will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.Mike is survived by his faithful companion and soul-mate, Kendra Sterkel, and her two children, Kody and Krystal Sterkel that Mike looked upon as his own. He is also survived by former wife, Elizabeth Henneke and stepchildren, Michael and Tony Robinson; distant relatives and many close friends.Mike is preceded by death of his parents, Dale Marvin Henneke and Wilna Jean (Henneke) Webb, Enid, Oklahoma; his step-father, Herbert L. Webb; his grandparents, Charles & Emma Henneke, Drummond, Oklahoma; his great grandparents, Mr.& Mrs. J. H. Henneke, Drummond, Oklahoma; plus, several aunts and uncles.At Mike's request, No memorial services will be held. He was cremated and ashes scattered over the Kittitas Valley. In Mike's memory, donations can be made to: American Diabetic Association, , Boy Scouts of America or charity of your choice in care of Affordable Funeral Care 101 E 2nd Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926Affordable Funeral Care was entrusted with arrangements.