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BORN
1926
DIED
2018
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Charles Henke Obituary
Hamilton Lake - 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. For online condolences, please visit www.hockemeyermillerfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Henke
Sponsored by Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home.
Brian Garrison
June 27, 2023
I'm a bit late to the party, but I live away from Indiana and only read this now. Mr. Henke was an amazing teacher and instilled in me a love for music that remains 45 years later. I was shy about sharing my talent but Mr. Henke's encouragement allowed me to celebrate my musical gift for performing and writing music. He made a difference in my life and countless others.
February 12, 2018
Wonderful friend and Mentor. His humor and joyful attitude was a gift to all of us and he ignited a passion for singing and an appreciation for music.
Don Kruse(St Louis, Mo.)
Janice Mellon
January 17, 2018
Mr. Henke was always so full of humor and good spirits, the time spent his choir were the best part of high school, even for those of us who were not the best vocally. He definitely made a positive difference in the world.
Janice Mellon
January 17, 2018
Mr. Henke was always so full of humor and good spirits, the time spent his choir were the best part of high school, even for those of us who were not the best vocally. He definitely made a positive difference in the world.
Bob Gugel
January 15, 2018
Dedicated to a special man who influenced so many lives.
Scott Helm
January 15, 2018
As with all the other posts, I was blessed to have been taught life skills and lessons by Mr. Henke during my high school years. He made my time at NHHS enjoyable and fun. He was a very talented man and he made he concert and swing choir a wonderful experience. I will remember him fondly and God Bless his family.
Phil Schmidt
January 15, 2018
Go rest high on that mountain
Son your work on earth is done.
Go to heaven a'shoutin
Love for the Father and the Son.
Prayers and thoughts from a choir member. Chuck probably never knew what a positive influence he had on my life. I feel blessed to have been a student of his.
Bob Gugel
January 14, 2018
Chuck Henke was one of the most amazing persons I have ever known. I would never have joined a choir in high school except when he joined the staff. It was absolutely incredible how he transformed the choral program when he arrived at CLHS. Creating the Blazers was brilliant. It was really quite memorable when the "old" Blazers performed at the 50th Reunion of the class of '62 with Mr. Henke attending. Those years at CLHS were the beginning of a love for singing choral music which continued into college and then with several church choirs. A side note: out of all the teachers I had from kindergarten through graduate school he did the coolest thing ever. What teacher would lend his car so that some senior guys could drive around town during lunch hour? We can all be thankful to God for the long and fruitful life he led and the lives he influenced. May his family be comforted knowing his relationship to Savior.
Carol Nealley
January 14, 2018
Mitch & Carol, Chris & Cara, & Family,
The memorial service for your Father/ Grandfather was an extraordinary tribute to his life. It was an honor to experience the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ through the music of the alumni choir and the instrumentalists! It is obvious that Charles has touched and inspired the lives of his family and his many students through his lifetime passion for music and teaching. May you all find comfort & peace in the following verse from
2 Corinthians 5:17:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
May God continue to bring peace and healing to the Henke family.
Carol & Mike Nealley
Andrea Stoller
January 13, 2018
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Henke. He was my choir teacher. What a kind man he was. He taught me a lot about music and I have thought of him often through out the years. You have my deepest sympathy.
Lisa Colglazier-Lynch
January 13, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Henke was the best music and choir teacher. He made a big impact on all of his students.
Lynda Bachelor
January 13, 2018
So sorry to hear this Norma & family. Sending love & prayers to you all. Will call you later.
Robin Scranage
January 13, 2018
Dear Norma,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and you're family during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences,
Robin Scranage and,family
Tina Leo
January 13, 2018
My condolences go out to the Henke family. Mr. Henke was my choir teacher at New Haven High School. He was such a wonderful teacher. He taught us more than music. He was funny, energetic, a good story teller, and always a positive role model. I looked forward to attending his class everyday. He was my favorite teacher in high school. He made a big impression on me and so many. That is a wonderful legacy to leave behind touching so many young lives and making a difference.
Jerry Schoenefeld
January 12, 2018
I sang in the choir and Blazers from 1960 to 1962 during which many fond memories were formed in my mind which are still there today. He was such an amazing teacher/choir director and gave much of himself while at CLHS. It was a true honor to lead the Blazers again at the Blazer/Swinger reunion held in his honer 5 years ago and to hear our voices again after 50 years. The memories he gave us will never be erased by those who sang for him. He will be missed. Looking forward to the day I can sing with him again with our heavenly father.
Tammy (Robinson) Childress
January 12, 2018
Being in Mr. Henke's classes were the highlight of my high school years. He was kind, uplifting, and always took the time to listen. He was lighthearted, laughed easily and pulled the best out of everyone he came in contact with. Thanks to him I felt that I had something to contribute. God Bless.
Mark Hesterman
January 12, 2018
Mr. Henke was right behind my father on my most influential list. What he did with a 140-voice A Capella Choir and a Swingers Choir back in the '60's and '70s was unimaginable.
The gigs that he booked for the Swingers at places such as Fort Wayne Country Club and The Summit Club were for many of Fort Wayne's elite. Their donations to CLHS for those events were put to good use toward its ministry (although Chuck wished he could have just a small amount for the Music Department).
Likewise, just as many of the performances were not at FWCC and Summit Club. They were on street corners and church basements and at funerals where you could not fit 140 kids in the balcony.
Chuck's choirs and groups brought laughter and standing ovations...and tears of joy and of sorrow that we high school kids could see as we peered out beyond the bright lights shining in our faces....out into the audiences. Thus, we shared in their emotions as young adults. Priceless and unforgettable memories.
Such fond memories with Priebe and Atz and Lohman as we loaded up that Swingers van with all of the risers and light boxes and amps and such to do the set-ups for those evening or weekend events.
And of course, the most memorable of all was the annual tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, NYC standing just above the ice rink in front of that huge golden statue and the 120-foot tree, just waiting for the countdown when that tree lit up the surrounding skyscrapers as we belted out 'Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!" Christmas 1970.
Not sure if I will go to the showing this afternoon or to the funeral tomorrow, or perhaps both. If I am at tomorrow's service, I will be there to belt out every verse of 'For All the Saints', just as Chuck would have wanted me to boldly do.
You are now with HIM, Mr. Henke, singing and perhaps even directing the angel choirs "with all of the heavenly host, singing Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!
January 12, 2018
His love of music instilled in all of us Blazers a life long instrument of peace and joy as we went on to keep music in our lives. We thank his family for sharing Mr. Henke with us. I will always be grateful for his influence on my life.
Donn Paul Werling, Class of '63 CLHS.
Steve Barber
January 11, 2018
I enjoyed Mr. Henke as I played the sax in the swing choir. It was a fun time enjoyed his love, energy and showmanship he demonstrated and taught to his students. I am sending prayers to him and his family.
Carolyn (Bauer) Koehler
January 11, 2018
Mr. Henke instilled a love of church music in me that has never dwindled. I loved singing in his choir from 1961-1965. One of my favorite memories was from a trip the choir took to Chicago. We had an afternoon off and many planned to go to the Cubs baseball game. I missed the bus with the rest of the kids and Mr. Henke invited me to go with him and the other adult chaperone. It was my 1st Major League game and I had a ball. It's a memory I've always treasured. He was a blessing to all who met him. Peace and comfort to his family and friends. Sing out, Mr. Henke, you're in the BIG choir now.
Kathy (Rodenbeck) Tripcony
January 11, 2018
Mr. Henke was one of my all-time favorite teachers and choir directors at CLHS (1965-69). He expected perfection of us to give glory to the Lord to the best of our abilities. But also his sense of humor and love of his students created an adventure each time we rehearsed...we never knew what to expect when we entered his room. I'll never forget arriving in the classroom to an unusual smell....he was frying his famous blood sausage in an electric skillet for all the choir members to sample! Because of his excellent example of enjoying his students and his strong faith, I also attended Concordia, River Forest, and went on to teach in the Lutheran schools for 27 years. To the family of this amazing man, my prayers for comfort are with you. He's definitely singing with and conducting the heavenly choirs!
Otto Bergman
January 11, 2018
Alumni of CLHS as well as those from New Haven High School please take note of this special request from the family and friends of Chuck Henke.
The Service for the Celebration of Eternal Life for Chuck Henke Saturday, January 13th, at 1:00 p.m. Trinity English Lutheran Church 450 W. Washington Blvd Fort Wayne, IN. Calling will be offered an hour prior to the service.
Alumni and friends who sang under the direction of or knew Mr. Henke at Concordia Lutheran High School and New Haven High School during his tenure are invited to form a special choir for the liturgy.
If interested in participating, please plan to attend the 11:30 a.m. rehearsal at the church. The choir will prepare and sing several pieces written by Chuck's close friends, Carl Schalk and Dr. Ralph Schultz.
If you are interested in participating with the alumni choir for the funeral, please contact Director of Music, Robert Hobby ([email protected]) to let him know of your interest, along with the section where you normally sing. This will aid in the musical preparations for the service.
Mary Beth Wyss
January 11, 2018
Walk with God, Mr. Henke! I was in choir 3 years & was in the very first Swingers group. You always made me feel good about myself & I loved your sense of humor! You gave me wonderful memories!
January 11, 2018
Melanie and Mitchell, our deepest sympathy in the passing of your father. We were so fortunate to have gotten to know him and your mother thru my working with Dr. Ahlbrand. Whenver I hear "Bridge over troubled water", I always think of your Dad and the Concordia Swing Choir.
Don and Lois Hassig, Birmingham, Alabama
Byron Pfeiffer
January 11, 2018
A great teacher I will remember, and a man who was honest with telling me I was tone deaf---and yet still letting me sing in the CHLS choir as long as I stood right next to someone who could hit the notes properly. He exuded a passion in his life when I knew him, and I think that was from God. Blessings to his family
Tom Dohrmann
January 11, 2018
Mr. Henke was a major influence in my life. I sang with the Blazers and the Small Group. He was a great teacher and a friend.
Cherri Riecke
January 11, 2018
Mr.Henke must enjoy the heavenly host of choirs he is directing now. His family must know the imprint he left on our hearts lives on! Many generations, many uplifting memories!
CLHS, Cherri Winn representing the Crooks family
Steve Bercot
January 11, 2018
I sang in the CLHS choir in the mid -sixties under Mr. Henke's direction and looked forward to that hour each day. I had the ability to carry a tune but he taught me so much more than that about music and singing and I still enjoy singing in Bethlehem's choir. I also had the pleasure of serving on the CLHS BOD for several years with Mitch. My sympathies to the family for your loss, yet we are thankful he is now with our Heavenly Father. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.
Krista Maki
January 11, 2018
I, too, have never forgotten Mr. Henke. I was in the CLHS choir from 1960-62, He always had high standards for us, but made us feel proud when we did well. I had no idea, then, of all the many achievements in his life, but I am not surprised. You were blessed to have such a man in your family. May your memories give you solace and joy. God bless you and be with you in this time of sorrow. Krista Maki, class of 1962
Martha Manges
January 11, 2018
Norma and family My prayers and thoughts are with you. What wonderful memories you have to get you thru the days ahead.
Natalie (Strow) Anagnos 81
January 11, 2018
Mr Henke was a wonderful influence on me during high school at NHHS. He was a passionate, caring teacher and worked hard to bring out the best in all of us.
May he forever sing with the angels!
Liz Gerke Povar
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was (is) a major influence in my life; a true force of nature. His gift to all through his uninhibited love of music gave his students a grounding in the meaning of dedication and work, and gave us wings in the meaning of joyous engagement to embrace emotion. Perhaps his most important gift to me personally is his daughter Melanie. She is my best friend, my soulmate, and despite the miles and time that separate us, I am thankful that Chuck and Marion created such a wonder of a daughter. Rest In Peace, Mr. Henke. The best of you lives on in so many of us. Up, up and Away!
Kathy Gillenwater Brooks
January 10, 2018
Mr Henke was such a wonderful teacher and person. I have to say he was my favorite teacher. I will never forget the time I needed a project in his class, so I asked him if I could bring the country music group my Dad played music with, I think Mr. Henke was more excited about the band then I was of my grade. Mr. Henke was always there to help anyone that needed it. I know he touched my life and so many others. Prayers to his family he will be missed!
January 10, 2018
I will never forget Mr.Henke. I was a member of the CLHS Choir circa 1962-65. He always made that experience interesting & fun. We sang @ a lot of LCMS churches in the Ft. Wayne area under his direction. He will be missed by all...
T.C (Tom) Lamson - Hockley, Texas
Laura Galis "McIlveen"
January 10, 2018
Such wonderful memories of Mr Henke. He was my choir director at NHHS. I still have the album we made and play it every year at Christmas. I sing every note to silent night in alto and always think of him. Rest In Peace Mr. Henke. I can imagine you directing the choir of angels on high. :-)
Linda Luepke/Vaughan
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was always full of endless energy. I'm sure he's in heaven directing all of the beautiful choirs. I was honored to know him.
Julie Ziegel
January 10, 2018
Such fond memories of Mr. Henke at CLHS 65-69! I remember his encouragement and how much fun swing choir was. And I'll always remember singing for Bobby Kennedy. RIP!
Gary Stroh
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was a huge influence in my life. From the time he recruited me in 8th grade to come and play piano at New Haven High, to insisting that I play a piano solo at graduation, he was such a positive role model. I am a choir director today because of his guidance. I have often thought of him over the years and really wished that I would have been able to connect with him in these past few years. You made me a better person and teacher Mr Henke, and I will always remember you fondly.
Susan Till (Waikel)
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was a fabulous teacher and a very fun guy at CLHS. We shall all reunite in Heaven........thanks to our Savior Jesus! Sympathies to his family and friends.
Sharla Stoller Schultz
January 10, 2018
Mr Henke was one of my favorite and beloved teachers, and his wit and humor made high school more fun! He used to pretend to mimic the cheerleaders, doing a cheer, then dropping straight onto his knees, as they did...and pretending to cry, from the pain. It was funny to me, every time. His perfection in singing has been a skill I've always carried w me. I love you, Mr Henke, and God bless you and your family.
Joy Bronson-McCrady
January 10, 2018
Mr Henke was choir director at CLHS and it was considered an honor to be a choir member with Mr Henke. He had an amazing bass voice and we loved being a part of his smaller groups who sang at many functions. Our swing choir was highly respected as one of the best. I remember taking voice lessons from him for 2 years and he was patient and always asked the best of us. RIP. The heavenly choir has gained a beautiful soul
Becky (Weikel) MARONEY
January 10, 2018
I remember Mr. Henke from my years at New Haven High School. He was fun loving and had a sense of humor. There was also his serious side when it came to concerts and contests. I have often thought about him. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time.
Karen Ensch
January 10, 2018
I adored this man for years. He was my choir teacher in New Haven High School. He was strict but loving. Always had a kind word to say. He was a great man and I loved him a lot. Rest In Peace my old friend you made High School bearable. Karen Holmes (Ensch)
Karen Strom
January 10, 2018
I remember Mr. Henke as my 8th grade teacher at St. Paul's and then at Concordia. He was a wonderful man and had a great sense of humor. Prayers for his family. Karen (Stein) Strom.
Gary Novak
January 10, 2018
My love of music started with Oscar Albers at Bethlehem and were enhanced at Concordia by Chuck through choir and the Blazers...a fun and student oriented teacher that helped me mold myself after teachers and coaches like him during grade school and high school...loved him!
Mike Dize
January 10, 2018
Mr Henke was an important part of my high school years and beyond. I extend my condolences and best wishes to his family.
Joan Kidd Clauss
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was my 8th grade teacher at St Paul's and then went on to Concordia H S with us. I spent a lot of time at his home when my friend, Judy, stayed with them. The family of Chuckles (as we called him), Marion, Melanie and Mitchell were such a great close family. Always fun to be around. He was a great friend and teacher to many students. So many fond memories.
Blazer 2012 Reunion
Otto Bergman
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was such a caring & personable teacher and choir director. I had him for sophomore English at CLHS, and sang under his direction in the A Cappella choir and Blazers for 2 years.
Mr. Henke set high standards for the students, had a good ear for sounds, and observed everything. When a section had difficulties finding a certain note, he gave the singers hints on how to get it. He often stopped the entire rehearsal in order to correct the performance of one specific member, but he also did the same to compliment singers. Mr. Henke's attitude encouraged the students to please him, and to do their best. He was also able to persuade some popular students and atheletes to join the Blazers. Both organizations instantly became popular with its members, student body, and area groups. I would never sing under the direction of anyone thereafter who I admired & loved so much as Mr. Henke. It was such an honor & pleasure to hook up with him again at the choir, Blazer, Swinger reunion held in his honor at CLHS in 2012, and again a couple months later at our 50th class reunion.
Due to his military service in Germany during WWII, Mr. Henke often related stories of his time there. He, however, knew that I had German relatives from my compositions, so was always sensitive to telling stories in my presence, and told me if they bothered him, I should say so, and then he would refrain from telling them.
Bill Hofrichter
January 10, 2018
Mr Henke was a blessing to my life as I sang in Swingers/Choir group in 1970-71. He was kind, energetic, and a life long inspiration. May he rest in the loving arms of the Lord as he sings in the choir in Heaven.
Lisa Filichia McDonnald
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was my choir, swing choir and TV Production at NHHS and he was the best teacher I've ever had. I have many find memories of my high school years because of him. Rest in peace, Mr. Henke.
Pat Krebs=Nalty
January 10, 2018
I was in his choir at St Paul Lutheran Church. I loved him. Great leader and great person. He used to taking our choir on tours mostly into Wisconsin.
Pat Krebs Nalty
January 10, 2018
Mr. Henke was my choir teacher at New Haven High School. He taught me the love of music and even how to read notes. I loved his energy, and his terrific artistic arm movements when he was directing us. I went to several competitions that he put together and I am thankful that he took his personal time to help us. His love for students/kids and music was unmatched. I am thankful to have known such a person. Prayers and love to you for your loss of such a great man. Love, Gail Gerber
Julie Workman
January 10, 2018
I still use the skills Mr. Henke taught me in choir during the late 70's and early 80's. He was a wonderful teacher and I have thought about him often over the years.
Cindy (Miller) Hanauer
January 10, 2018
Mr Henke gave life to my high school years, leading our concert choir and swing choir practices and performances from 1971 to 1975. He also taught and personally demonstrated important life skills that I've carried with me for 40+ years: discipline, perfection, teamwork, humor and the joy of music. He taught us that life isn't perfect....but it can become more perfect with focus, practice and hard work. In loving memory......always.
Janet BRADEN...OConnor
January 9, 2018
Nothing but great memories of Mr. HENKE ....definatly one my favorite teachers...
The music program under his leadership was one of the best in Fort Wayne...CLHS.
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