Laden Michael Henke

Laden Michael Henke, 20, was born on November 9, 2005, in Lawrence, Kansas, and passed away on September 9, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas.

Laden was inquisitive, artistic, witty, and kind. He was always wondering how the world worked and looking for something new to learn. He had a goal of becoming a “jack of all trades,” and between drawing, skateboarding, and tinkering, he was rarely sitting idle. Laden was quick-witted and sarcastic, but also deeply thoughtful. He loved conversations that made him think, appreciated the creativity of others, and had a way of looking at the world from perspectives that often stayed with those around him.

Laden is survived by his mother and stepfather, Rachel and Stephen Breaux, and siblings Lillian Henke, Marguerite Breaux, Matthew Breaux, and Cecilia Breaux; his father and stepmother, Kyle and Kelley Henke, and siblings Thomas Reinshagen and Annabelle Neal; his second mom, Paige Snyder, and sisters Gabriella Brown and Addison Henke; and grandparents Ron and Robin Bartekoske, Flossie Turner, Gerald and Helen Breaux, and Angela Henke; as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and others who love him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jack Turner and Edward Henke.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Both services will be held at Smith Family Mortuaries, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, Kansas 67037. Private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Laden’s honor to Juniper Arts Academy (juniperartsacademy.org), Bike Walk Wichita (bikewalkict.org), or Wichita Pathways for Youth (wichitapathways.org).

Laden was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Twenty years was not enough.