William B Henestofel

William "Bill" B. Henestofel Jr., 83, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away on February 26, 2022, at the hospital. He was born on September 24, 1938 to the late William "Barney" Henestofel Sr. and Erma E. Zimmer Henestofel in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Linden McKinley high school and received an Associate Degree in Fire Science Management from Hocking College.

Bill had a long and successful career in public service. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1960. In 1962 he joined the Columbus Fire Department and rose to the rank of Captain before retiring after 25 years of service in 1987. From 1988 through 1989 he became a Deputy State Fire Marshal for the state of Florida. He was also the Chief of EMS at Inter-City in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Coming back to Ohio he became the Fire Chief at Jefferson Township in Blacklick, Ohio. He served in this capacity from 1990 until 1998. For two years after this Bill became Fire Inspector for the City of Bexley. And finally closing out his career in public service he procured the position of Fire Safety Coordinator and Fire Protection Engineer for the campus of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

Although Bill had a stern, strict way about him, he was a fair and just leader. He was and continues to be respected by all those who served under his leadership. Along with serving as a fireman, he also had a passion for teaching aspiring students to be successful paramedics and firemen.

Bill was also preceded in death by his son James P. Henestofel. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Carrol L. (Faulkner) Henestofel; son Brian (Renee) Henestofel, daughter Joanne P. Henestofel; brother James (Ann) Henestofel; nephew Mark (Nicole) Henestofel and their children, Reis and Livvy; grandchildren Brandon Henestofel, Chris Henestofel, Jesse Henestofel, Josh Corbin, Kelly Badgeley. Great Grandchildren Carlton, Chase, Addie and Grady.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 5-8pm on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST FUNERAL HOME, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna. Private memorial service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's name to The Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center, 260 N. 4th St, Columbus, Ohio 43215.