Charles R. HENKE, Age 90. Beloved husband of the late Henrietta (nee Minch); dear father of Karen Wolk (Steve), Doug Shannon (Henke); step father of Mary Kay Dailey and the late Tim Dailey; grandfather of Shannon, Brian, Jeff and Kelly; great grandfather of Justin and Olivia.
Mass of Christian Burial from St. Bartholomew Church, Tuesday December 1, at 10:00 AM. Burial Woodvale Cemetery.
VISITATION: MONDAY 2-4 AND 6-8 PM AT ZABOR FUNERAL HOME, 5680 PEARL RD, PARMA.
Charles Henke’s career as a government official spanned 50 years. It began in 1959 when he served as Service Director and Building Commissioner for the City of Independence with Mayor Pete Wisnieski. In 1964, he went to serve in the same capacity in Middleburg Heights where he remained until 1969. At this point, Henke accepted the challenge of being the Service Director of the largest suburb of Cleveland, Parma. After eight years of service, he returned to his previous position in Middleburg Heights. At this time, due to changes in government regulations, Henke earned his title, “Chief Building Official”, the highest license issued by the Board of Building Standards in the State of Ohio for a government employed building inspector. He remained in Middleburg Heights until 1986, when he retired for the first time after 27 years of service, at the age of 66. Refusing to remain idle, Henke accepted the invitation of Mayor Paul Cassidy of Parma Heights to come out of retirement and function as Chief Building Commissioner for his city. Henke served in this position for 23 years until finally retiring August 28, 2009, completing 50 years of service as a government official. With an official retirement day of this past August 28 and a birthday on August 31, both his long and lustrous career as well as his 90th birthday were celebrated and honored this past August 30. The event was attended by his family, friends and numerous public dignitaries, many of whom presented him with awards and proclamations in recognition of his many accomplishments. Born in Cleveland, Henke grew up in the old Brooklyn area, and graduated from Rhodes High School. He was a First Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as a Machinist Mate aboard the USS Minneapolis which patrolled the Pacific Ocean.
Messages of Condolence
Mr Henke and Henrietta were dear friends of our family for many years. I will always remember him with a smile. (I used to call him Dean Martin)
My thoughts are with the entire family as I grieve for my father whom we lost December 3rd.
I’m sure Dad & Mr Henke are causing trouble together wherever they are……………….
My Deepest Sympathy to All~
Kathy Staursky