Obituary
Russell A. Henkel 76, passed away on Monday June 22, 2020 peacefully at the Halifax Hospice Care Center in Ormond Beach, FL.
Russell was born on Sept. 16,1943 in Medford, WI to Oscar R. And Margaret A. (Bergmann) Henkel. He graduated from Medford High School in 1961. He worked hauling milk until he left to join the Navy in 1962. He went to boot camp in San Diego, CA then went to New London, CT to attend the Submarine School. After finishing school, he went aboard the SSN Skipjack.
He met his wife Ann Medina through a family friend of Ann’s. They were married on June 26, 1965 at the US Coast Guard Academy Chapel, in New London. They then moved to Charleston, SC while the boat was in the yards, they later went to Norfolk, VA. Their next move was back to New London where he went aboard the USS Entemdor.
He then went the Force Sonar Information Center and then later back to the Submarine School where he concluded his active service as an Acoustic Groom Team Assistant Division Officer in the Submarine Sensors Training Dept.
After retiring from the Navy, he worked for a while at the Medford Co-op hardware store. He then went to work at Weathershield in the millwork dept as a moulder operator.
Russell loved hunting and fishing, going to Maine every year while living in CT with friends. He also went to Newfoundland and Alaska for moose hunting. His passion was building cedar strip canoes and tying flies. He was a life member in the USSVI and the NRA. He and his brother Gary were also a part of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2017.
Russell was predeceased by his parents Oscar and Margaret, his son Raymond, his brother Gary Henkel and sister Laurie Goessl, as well as his grandparents Henry and Elsie Bergmann and Aunts and Uncles.
He is survived by his wife Ann Henkel, his son Erick Henkel of Ormond Beach, FL and his sister Linda (Harvey) Pelot of Rhinelander, WI.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday June 30, 2020, with Visitation beginning at 1:00 PM, at the Baldwin Brothers Funeral home, 1185 W. Granada Blvd. #11, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Cremation rites will follow. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Medford, WI.
Service
1185 W. Granada Blvd. #11, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Visitation
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
1185 W. Granada Blvd. #11, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
United States Navy Veteran
Friends
Canoe
Working on the canoe
Russell's Canoe
Russ with San Diego Chargers Cheerleaders
We are so very sorry for your loss. Russell was a wonderful guy. We always enjoyed being with he and you whenever we were with Linda and Harvey, camping, partying, hunting, or hanging out. May God give you comfort and peace.
Love Don and Judy Pelot