DONALD F. HENKEL

Donald F. Henkel, 91, died peacefully with his family at his side, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, after a short stay at Solvay Hospice House.

Don was born on June 13, 1921 in Minneapolis, and was the only child of Hazel (Drake) and Frank Henkel.

Upon graduation from high school he enrolled in the Forestry Department at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. In his sophomore year he spent the summer at the Forestry School on Lake Itasca. Upon completion he and a buddy paddled their canoes down the Mississippi River to Minneapolis, a trip he often spoke fondly about.

Don was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart. After returning from the service he met his future wife, Joyce Ahlers, whom he married Dec. 4, 1947.

In June of 1948, during a delayed honeymoon to Duluth, he accepted a job at Scott Graff Lumber Company as a designer of kitchens and baths. He continued that specialty in consequent jobs at Erlanson Lumber Company, Goldfines by the Bridge, and Duluth Plumbing and Supply. His final position was as a housing inspector for the City of Duluth, where he worked until his retirement in 1986.

Don and Joyce enjoyed 65 years of marriage together and raised two daughters. Don loved the outdoors, whether taking photography, hunting and fishing, working in his garden, or spending time at his cabin. He was an artist who carved and painted beautiful ducks and other birds. He also designed and did all the finishing work, both on his cabin on Clubhouse Lake and the house that he and Joyce shared in Duluth and raised their family in until his death.

Don was preceded in death by his parents.

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce; two daughters, Kay (Ken) LaBoone of Lakeville, Minn. and Sandra (Jerry) Henkel-Johnson of Esko, Minn.; three grandsons, Jeffrey (Jessica) Henkel-Johnson, Duluth, David Henkel-Johnson, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and Donald LaBoone, Lakeville, Minn.; one granddaughter, Eileen LaBoone, Lakeville, Minn.; and two great grandchildren, William and Alexandra Johnson, Duluth.

The family would like to thank the staff at Solvay Hospice House for their loving care of Don and the support they provided his family during his stay.

GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: From 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Monday, Feb. 11, in Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave, Duluth, followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall.

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