He was preceded in death by his parents, Arve Joseph Henriksen and Zoe Dwyer Henriksen; brother, Arve Henriksen; and sisters, Hortense Henriksen Wilder and Betty Henriksen Pruniski.
Karl was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose greatest treasures were his family and grandchildren.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Joan Kelly Henriksen, of 59 years; daughters, Karen (Mike) Wilson and Karla (Dr. Lee) Irvin; three grandchildren, Kelly Wilson, Kristy Wilson and Kurt Irvin; sister, Dorothy (Dot) Henriksen Morgan; and sister-in-law, Doris Henriksen; along with many other relatives and friends.
Karl was a 1944 graduate of McGill Institute where he played football. He graduated early to join the US Army where he served with the US Infantry 28th Division, Company C, otherwise known as the "Keystone Division" at the Sigfried Line. Later, he served with the 335th Engineers in Mannheim, Germany as well as with the 355th Engineers in Berlin. Upon returning back to Mobile, Karl married the love of his life, Joan. He attended the University of Alabama night school while working for GM&O Railroad. He retired from GM&O/ICG Railroad after 40 years of service. Karl was a long time member of Little Flower Parish who volunteered his skills to the Little Flower Credit Union as well as to the school. He also served as a volunteer auditor for the United Fund Drive. For the last 6 years, Karl had been a member of Corpus Christi Parish.
Karl will always be remembered for the twinkle in his eyes and his quick wit and humor, but most of all, for his smile.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 2 P.M. on Saturday, December 10, 2011 from Corpus Christi Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 1 P.M. until 2 P.M. on Saturday at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the McGill Toolen Foundation, 1501 Old Shell Road Mobile, AL 36604 or Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Avenue, Mobile, Alabama 36604. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.
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