Edward ‘Ed’ Frederick Henke
June 17, 1932 - November 4, 2024
It is with sadness that the family of Edward Henke announces his passing on Monday, November 4, 2024 at Parkwood Hospital, at the age of 92. Predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Benita Henke (née Baetcke). Ed leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Dieter and Heather Henke of Sebringville. Ed was known as Opa to his grandchildren, Michelle (Antoine) Dabrowski of Embrun, and Marcus (Franny) Henke of Mitchell, and to his three great-grandsons, Florian and Nicolas Dabrowski, and Brooks Henke. Born in Wünschendorf, Sudetenland, now part of Czech Republic, eldest child of Heinrich and Marie Henke, Ed was predeceased by his younger brothers, Alfred and Heinz Henke, both of Germany. Ed began his apprenticeship as a miller but was unable to complete it during WWII. After fleeing to West Germany, he settled in Dusseldorf before immigrating to Canada in 1953. He was sponsored by Ivan and Eva Forsyth of Seaforth, where he worked as a farm hand. Ed moved to London where he worked different jobs, including a land surveyor in northern Ontario for W. Archibald, Ontario Land Surveyor, a supervisor at Eaton Automotive, and at Livingston Industries, and owner-operator of Luxury Lifestyle Limousine. Ed always thrived in a working environment that took him outdoors and working with his hands. He was an avid gardener and landscaper, and was always proud of his garden of roses. Ed served as President of the London German Canadian Club, and grounds manager for the London City Soccer Team. After many years of involvement with the German Canadian Club Karnaval Group, organizing many events including Oktoberfest celebrations, Ed and Benita co-founded the Frohsinn Dancers, a German cultural dance group in the city, and travelled with the dancers to destinations such as Australia, California, and Mexico. Their holiday vacations always involved travel, especially to Hawaii. Ed will be remembered as a proud man of character, who spoke his mind and pursued all opportunities to support his wife and son. Ed will also be remembered for his unique sense of humour and his love for a good German beer (his “medicine”). Thank you to the Palliative Care Team at Parkwood Hospital for their wonderful care. The family would welcome donations in Ed’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society or to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation – Palliative Care Program.
Leave a tribute for Edward ‘Ed’ Frederick Henke
Leave a tribute
A donation has been made to Palliative care st joes. Message from the donator: Thinking of you and the entire family through this difficult time. He will never be forgotten 😊 Love the Prout family 💕
I am so sorry Dieter, Heather and family to hear of the loss of your father Ed. I felt lucky to have rediscovered him at Chartwell, the same retirement home and floor my mother is on. I did get to speak to him on a few occasions and thank him for the 5 years I spent as a Frohsinn dancer in the early days of the group's conception along with two of my cousins. He and Benita were tough task masters as we mastered folk and show dances that eventually got us to California. I still remember all the stops on that wonderful trip! On my last visit I could tell Ed was not happy and missed Benita terribly! He achieved a lot in life as so many German immigrants did such as my own father. Ed is with Benita now and his long life journey is done. Rest in peace Ed.
Dieter, and Heather, Ray and I send our deepest condolences. Jen
Deiter and family, Sorry for the loss of your father. I have fond memories of both your parents and our great times together when I was a Frohsinn dancer. They were both very kind and took us all under their wings whenever we travelled to perform. I wish your dad peace and a happy reunion with your mom. Blessings to you all.
I have great memories of my stay with the Henkes when their home became my second home while at university. Eddy and Benita introduced me to the dances at the German Canadian Club. I heard the many stories of their travels with the dance group they formed. I will miss my surprise visits and phone calls to Eddy. My sympathy to Dieter, Heather and their family. It was lovely to chat with you on my last "surprise visit' and realize that you are now a Grandpa and not the young boy I recall when I stayed with your parents. sending hugs and cherish the memories Sally
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
On behalf of the German Canadian Club, The Board of Director's and all Members, we send special sympathy to the Henke Family. Ed was a long time President of this Club and in many other positions but he and family made sure the German Club since 1933 was keep running and flourishing. The heart, energy and time input must have been significant as I still today hear a lot about those times. (And I am only since not even 10 years attending the club.) The Frohsinn dancers and beyond are coming up all the time. In gratitude we bow before a great Man and family. Thank you Ed, for your contribution to the community in London. Rest in Peace and rise in Glory. Friedhelm Hoffmann, President
~ German Canadian Club, London Ontario