Joseph Charles Henggeler

Joseph Charles Henggeler, 76, of Sikeston, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Southeast. Joe was born on May 28, 1949, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Col. Francis Joseph and Dorothy Eileen (Merrigan) Henggeler, both deceased. He is survived by his son, Joseph Henggeler of Sikeston, Missouri; three daughters, Clare (Mia) Cossey of St. Louis, Missouri, Monica (John) Unterreiner of Jackson, Missouri, and Heidi Henggeler of Arlington, Texas; two brothers, John Henggeler of Mission, Kansas, and Bill Henggeler of O'Fallon, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Watson, Clark, and Nolan Unterreiner, all of Jackson, Missouri. Joe spent his career as an agricultural engineer and irrigation specialist with the University of Missouri, based at the Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center in Portageville, Missouri. He was a recognized authority on irrigation scheduling and water management in the Missouri Bootheel. His research on wireless soil moisture sensors and efficient irrigation practices helped farmers across the region improve yields while conserving water. He developed widely used irrigation scheduling software, including a version of the Woodruff Irrigation chart-maker, and contributed to scholarly publications and national symposia. Outside of work, Joe had a deep passion for history and genealogy. He spent countless hours tracing the Henggeler family's roots and preserving its story for future generations. It was a pursuit that connected him to his Swiss-German heritage, to his father's service as a B-17 pilot with the 388th Bomb Group under the 8th Air Force, and to the broader arc of his family's journey in America. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard Henggeler. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Saint Columba Catholic Church in Conception, Missouri. Funeral Mass with follow at 11:00 am at the church with the Rt. Rev. Benedict Neenan, O.S.B., officiating. Burial will be at Saint Columba Cemetery in Conception, Missouri. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Joseph Charles Henggeler

May 28, 1949 - February 11, 2026