Russell A. Henkel

1943-2020

Russell A. Henkel, 76, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020, peacefully at the Halifax Hospice Care Center in Ormond Beach, Fla. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, with visitation at 1 p.m. at the Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, 1185 W Granada Blvd, #11 Ormond Beach, Fl 32174. Cremation rites followed. A memorial will be held on July 18 in Medford.

Russell was born on Sept. 16, 1943 in Medford 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, Calif. then went to New London, Conn. to attend the Submarine School. After finishing school he went aboard the USS Skipjack SSN585. He met his wife, Ann Medina, through a family friend of Ann’s. They were married on June 26,1965 at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Chapel, in New London. They then moved to Charleston S.C. while the boat was in the yards, they later went to Norfolk, Va. Their next move was back to New London, Conn., where he went aboard the USS Entemedor. He then went to 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 Department. He retired as a master chief.

After retiring from the Navy he worked for a while at the Medford Co-op hardware store. He then went to work at Weather Shield in the millwork department as a moulder operator. Russell loved hunting and fishing, going to Maine every year while living in Conneticut with friends, he also went to Newfoundland and Alaska moose hunting. His passion was building cedar strip canoes and tying flies. Russell was a life member in the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans and the NRA (National Rifle Association). Russell and his brother Gary, went on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in May of 2017.

Russell was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Margaret; his son, Raymond; his brother, Gary Henkel; sister, Laurie Goessl; his grandparents, Henry and Elsie Bergmann; and aunts and uncles.

Russell is survived by his wife, Ann; his son, Erick of Ormond Beach, Fla.; and his sister, Linda (Harvey) Pelot of Rhinelander.

Paid Obituary 91228