A funeral service and military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday May 31, 2019 at Hemer Funeral Home, Medford Chapel. Pastor Teri Hanson will officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home that morning from 9- 11:00. Burial will be held at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
Gary was born April 13, 1950 in Medford to Oscar and Margaret (Bergmann) Henkel. He is a 1968 graduate of Medford Sr. High.
Gary is survived by his Children: Gregory Henkel of Ohio, and Christal (Brian) Nowak of Medford, Grandchildren: Austin, Hailey, McKenna, Gabriela and Arabella, Siblings: Russell (Ann) Henkel of Ormond Beach, FL and Linda (Harvey) Pelot of Rhinelander, Labrador "Ruger", and several nieces and nephews, former spouses: Catherine Taber of Medford and Patricia Ogryzek of Athens.
He is preceded in death by his Parents, Sister Laurie Goessl and Nephew Raymond Henkel.
After his high school career, Gary enlisted in the US Navy. He went on to serve as an aircraft electrician. He was honorably discharged after 20 years of service, and earned the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. He then returned to Medford and worked electrical maintenance for Hurd Windows for 20 years. In his retirement he worked at Ace Hardware with Medford CO-OP.
He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, cutting firewood and woodworking. He also liked to tell jokes and enjoyed conversation.
He was an active member of the Medford VFW Post #5729 where he was in charge of Bingo.
Memorial donations in honor of Gary can be given to his family, with designation at a later date.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
