William Henschell, Jr.
William Henschell, Jr.

Obituary of William Henschell, Jr.

William Henschell, 83, of Houghton Lake, Michigan, died suddenly July 20, 2005, after an auto accident. Mr. Henschell was born February 8, 1922 in Buckley, Michigan to Grace and William Arthur Henschell. During the depression, young Bill served as a caddy at a local golf course and proudly contributed his earnings to the household. He also loved to share his memories of being a Boy Scout bugler and amateur boxer. Bill married Jean Eleanor Moore, June 4, 1944 and celebrated almost 60 years of love, companionship and golf before Jean's passing last May. in 1977, Bill retired from a long career on the railroad, having finished as President of the Toledo Terminal. Bill and Jean moved permanently to Houghton Lake in 1977, where they shared their summers with their three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandson. A long-standing member of the Elks, Masons and Shriners, Bill enjoyed spending time with friends and helping others in need. Bill was a self-taught pianist who loved to play Big Band and Boogie Woogie tunes. He could often be seen on local streets taking his long daily walks. He devoted much time and attention to maintaining his lovely green lawn and had filled his cottage with his own colorful landscape paintings. Bill is survived by his daughters Karen Henschell (El Cajon CA) and Candace Chilmonczyk (Phelan CA), and son Kirk Henschell (Houghton Lake MI). Other survivors include grandchildren Kalisa Turanchik (Apache Junction AZ), Dr. Trieva Turanchik (San Diego CA), Samantha Chilmonczyk (Phelan CA), Mason Chilmonczyk (Phelan CA) and great-grandson Griffin Zorn (Apache Junction AZ). No service will be held, but a memorial marker will be placed at Lake Township Cemetery, and contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan. Cremation Society of Michigan (313) 839-4100 in charge of arrangements. Please record your memories in Mr. Henschell's Guest Book.
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