Wilbur John Henkle (2024)

BRITTAIN, FREY, GONSETH, HENKLE, MOUNT, NEFF

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 7/16/2024 at 07:09:54

Gude Mortuary
Hamburg, Iowa

May 6, 1933 ~ July 5, 2024

Wilbur J. Henkle, age 91 of Hamburg, IA passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

Wilbur John Henkle was born on May 6, 1933 to John O. and Delma (Neff) Henkle in Madison County, IA. He attended country school from kindergarten through sixth grade at Penn #5 and then he attended junior high and high school in Earlham, IA where he graduated with the Class of 1951.

After graduation he began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company before entering the United States Army in 1953. He proudly served his country for two years and then returned to live in Winterset, IA and work for Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. Wilbur was united in marriage to Margaret Gonseth on October 23, 1953 at the Earlham Church of Christ and to this union two children were born: Ronald and Cynthia. After 31 ½ years with the telephone company, Wilbur began working at Valley National Bank until 1993 and then was the Assistant Vice-President at Iowa State Bank until retiring in 2006.

He was very involved in the community including the Hamburg Kiwanis Club for 19 years, Hamburg Fire Department since 1960, serving as treasurer, charter member of the Hamburg Rescue Squad from 1972 to 1993, serving as treasurer, member of American Legion Post 156, Treasurer of Nishnabotany Masonic Lodge 153 of Sidney, IA, member of Lulu West Trust, member of Fremont County Conservation Board, serving as Secretary for 10 years, member of United Trinity Church since 1957 where he served on the church board for 30 years and was a moderator for 11 years, and he played in the Tuesday Night Golf League. In 1975 he received the Outstanding Community Activities Award from the telephone company for the State of Iowa. In 1988 he received the Outstanding Community Award for the Hamburg Kiwanis Club and in 1993 the Outstanding Service Award from the Hamburg Fire Department for 34 years of service.

Wilbur enjoyed square and round dancing, working with stained glass, oil painting, playing golf and enjoyed playing with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Margaret Henkle of Hamburg, IA; children: Ron Henkle (Denise) of Omaha, NE and Cynthia Mount (Rick) of Farragut, IA; three grandchildren: Clint (Julie), Dean (Shelly) and Kelly (Andy); nine great-grandchildren: Caden, Nolan, Nadia, Keeley, Tate, Max, Hunter, Weston and Holden; many family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Larry and Walter Henkle; sisters-in-law: Louise Frey and Freda Brittain.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at United Trinity Church in Hamburg with Pastor Courtney Dake officiating. Burial will follow at Hamburg Cemetery in Hamburg, IA with Military Honors by the Hamburg American Legion Post 156.

The family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday (7/9) at the church. Masonic Services will be held at the church prior to the visitation at 4 p.m.

Memorials may be given to United Trinity Church or Hamburg Fire and Rescue.