Bruno A. Henke Jr.

1937 - 2021

Bruno A. Henke Jr.

Hubertus - Bruno Anton Henke Jr. passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the age of 83.

Bruno was born to life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 24, 1937, to father Bruno A. Henke Sr. and mother Marie W. Henke (nee Bayer). The youngest of five children, Bruno was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Fr. Eugene B. Henke, sister Elaine M. Henke, and his twin sister, Mariann C. Malmquist. Bruno is survived by his wife of 60 years Ramona L. (nee McCarty) and brother, Robert J. Henke; his many cousins; his seven children, Thomas Henke (Pam), Therese Henke, Christine Henke Mueller (James), Mark Henke (Meg), Michael Henke, Catherine Scholz (Eric), Juliette Pagliaro (Philip); eleven grandchildren, Matthew Henke (Heidi), Andrew Henke, Paul Henke, Elissa Mueller, Ian Mueller, Sean Henke, Devin Henke, Kyra Henke, Benjamin Scholz, Samuel Scholz, Gianna Pagliaro; and two great-grandchildren, Eleanor Henke and Peter Henke.

Bruno graduated from Marquette University (January 1960), where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. It was while at Marquette that he met Ramona (Mona), the love of his life, whom he married in June 1960. Fifty years later, in 2010, Bruno would be recognized as the Marquette University College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus of the Year for his contributions to the industry and community. This was a tremendous honor that he felt humbled to receive.

Bruno started his career in construction at Gehrke Sheet Metal in Sheboygan in 1960. Shortly thereafter, he joined Reinke & Schomann, where he served as Vice President until 1980. He then started his own business, Construction Supply & Erection (CSE) in Germantown, Wisconsin. He established CSE as a premier contractor for metal wall panel systems and structural steel, working on various high-profile jobs in Milwaukee, including Children's Hospital, Froedtert Hospital, Marquette University, and Miller Park. Bruno was also a longtime member and executive of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association of Milwaukee (SMACNA Milwaukee).

Bruno and Mona are longtime members of St. Hubert's and St. Gabriel's Catholic Parish in Hubertus and a 20-year winter member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in San Antonio, Texas. A man of devout faith, serving God and the Church, Bruno was a generous supporter of these parishes and of the Catholic church. A benefactor of many charitable organizations, Bruno was always available to those who might need his help in any way. Many people unknowingly owe their child's Catholic education, in whole or in part, to his support of Catholic schools in Wisconsin and even globally in Ghana, Africa.

Bruno and Mona loved to travel, initially taking their large family on motorhome tours of the United States and later on trips to Germany, Canada, and the Caribbean. After retiring in 2003, Bruno and Mona enjoyed cruises to foreign locations, always bringing back wonderful tales and gifts. In 2014, they accompanied the Pilgrimage to Rome with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee where they had an audience with Pope Francis and received his blessing.

Bruno will be remembered as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a successful businessman with tremendous integrity and generosity beyond words. Bruno's family was always preeminent in his life and his death has left a gaping hole in their lives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruno's name to St. Gabriel Parish and School, 1200 St. Gabriel Way, Hubertus, Wisconsin. See Wednesday's paper for service details.