Charles F Henke

Charles F. Henke, 91, of Hamilton Lake, passed away on January 7, 2018, at the Laurels of DeKalb. Born on February 19, 1926, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late, Edward and Ella Henke. Mr. Henke taught thirty-four years at schools in Fort Wayne and New Haven. He began his work in 1954 at St. Paul’s Lutheran School and choirmaster of the church. The next twelve years were spent as teacher and director of choral music at Concordia Lutheran High School. His final sixteen years were spent as teacher and director of choral music at New Haven High School. He also taught part-time at Purdue University, Fort Wayne Campus, and Concordia Senior College. During this time he also worked with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Opera Guild. The “pop music” field included 28 years of swing choir work with his groups, well known in the tri-state area. He was a member of the Fort Wayne Press Club participating in the entertainment at the Gridiron Dinners. He also was a freelance announcer since 1954, and a lifetime member of the Screen Actors Guild. Mr Henke was a graduate of Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, with an MA degree from Ball State University; and proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII, serving in the European Theatre, in the 4th Armored Division under General George S. Patton. He is survived by his wife Norma Henke; children, Mitchell (Carol) Henke, and Melanie (Doc) Welty; stepchildren, Daniel (Leslie) Douglas, David Douglas, Pat (Beth) Douglas, Mike (Amy) Douglas, and Kathy (Kenneth) Blanchard; sister, Mary Louise Shearier; grandchildren, Christopher M. (Elizabeth) Henke, Cara Lee Henke, and Michael Steven Oberlin; stepgrandchildren, Ethan, Alyssa, Casey, Gloria, Benny, and Corey Douglas, Katelyn, Kyle, and Kelli Blanchard; and great-grandchildren, Emery Alice Moore, Andrew, Dawn and Natalie Henke. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Marian Henke; and grandson, Joseph Dale Oberlin. Funeral service will be 1pm, Saturday, Januray 13, at Trinity English Lutheran Church, Krauss Chapel, 450 West Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior. Calling will also be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm, Friday, January 12, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Concordia Lutheran High School Choral Department or Hamilton Church of Christ or Donor’s Choice.