Clayton Walter Hernkind

FORT WINNEBAGO TOWNSHIP – Clayton Walter Hernkind, age 4, whose life was tragically cut short as the result of a farm accident, went to Heaven on June 5, 2017.

Clayton was born on October 24, 2012, in Portage, Wisconsin, the son of Lance Jr. and Danielle (Thomson) Hernkind. Clayton loved his family, playing with his toys, riding his bike, and being outside with his brother and best friend, Wyatt. He had a big personality with a “million-dollar smile”. Clayton brought so much joy to so many people in such a short time.

He is survived by his parents, Lance, Jr. and Danielle of Fort Winnebago Township; grandparents, Lance Sr. and Judy Hernkind of Portage, Marilyn Thomson and Paul Thomson, both of Portage; great-grandmother, Donna Hankel of Endeavor; twin brother, Wyatt Hernkind; big sister, Courtney Hernkind; special great aunt and uncle, Harlan and Julie Cupery of Randolph; aunt and uncle, Dustin and Brooke Georgeson of Portage; cousins, Gretchen, Kenny and Clara Georgeson of Portage; Godparents, Casey (Travas) Busse of Portage, Jill (P.J.) Jahnke of Friesland, Kimberly Cupery and Valerie (Richard) Marquardt, both of Randolph; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his uncle Dustin and aunt Paula Thomson; great-grandparents, Elden and Dorothy Thomson, John Peter and Margaret DeVries, Leonard and Josephine Hernkind, and Fred A. Hankel.  

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, W8267 State Highway 33 East, Portage, Wisconsin, with Rev. Julie Krahn officiating. Burial will be at North Marcellon Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, June 9, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family.

The family would like to thank Sheriff Dennis Richards and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, the EMTs and Fire Department, the staff at Divine Savior Healthcare, the Wilcox family, and all who assisted the family at this difficult time.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home is assisting the family.