Henry Denolf

Henry Victor Denolf
April 17, 1928 - January 16, 2024
Hank, age 95, passed away on January 16, 2024. He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Adiel & Irma (nee Deriemaecker) Denolf. Hank dearly loved Joann Louise Wybo, whom he married in 1951. Together they had four children: Gary (Maureen Brioc), Mark, Daniel (Kris Sherwood) and Karen (Kathleen Hayes). He was the proud grandfather of Alayna (Arin Bisaro) and Natalie, all of whom survive. He is pre-deceased by his sister & brother in law, Lucille & Richard Piornack, sister-in-law Nancy Cooper, and daughter -in-law, Louise Suwal Denolf (Gary). He is survived by Nancy's husband & loving brother-in-law Edward H. Cooper, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Hank graduated from Lawrence Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. He had a very dynamic career that including positions within the Chrysler Corporation's Missile Operations department and later their Defense Division, now known as General Dynamics. His work there involved missile flight telemetry and instrumentation systems and required considerable travel to places like Cape Canaveral, White Sands, New Mexico, and Huntsville, Alabama. One of his proudest and most interesting achievements was the Redstone Missile Project which led to the launch of the Freedom 7 rocket carrying Alan Shepard, the first America in space on his first sub-orbital ride in May of 1961. Later management positions involved testing and production of the M60 and M1 Abrams tanks.
Hank's younger years were filled with many interests including repairing radios, photography and playing in a band. Growing up with a strong Belgian-American culture & extended family played a large role in his life with many close & long-lasting friendships and social clubs. He enjoyed building and fixing things, learning how and why things worked and in-depth genealogy research. He loved traveling with Joann, his family and close friends. Other favorite activities included boating and scuba diving; he shared his passion for these pursuits with many others serving as an educator for many years within the Grosse Pointe Power Squadron and by helping many new scuba divers become certified.
Visitation to celebrate a life well lived will take place on Saturday, January 20th, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a funeral service at noon at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 43300 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angel's Place, 29299 Franklin Rd., Southfield, MI 48034, the Alzheimer's Association or the charity of your choice.