NC/RC/NWA Capt. Franklin Donald Henkels

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NC/RC/NWA Capt. Franklin Donald Henkels

 

Aviation connected him with lifelong friends and led to a distinguished 37-year career spanning the Navy, the FAA, and the airlines……

Frank resided in Minnesota : 6708 W 82nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55438.

Franklin “Frank” was widowed in July 2023.

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/franklin-henkels-obituary?id=60271964 

Franklin Henkels Obituary

Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels - Dawn Valley Chapel

 

Franklin D Henkels passed away on December 8, 2025. Frank was born in Heron Lake, Minnesota, to Herman Paul and Mary Agnes (Schaffer) Henkels. As the seventh of nine children, Frank grew up in a big, lively family where he was known for his gentle nature, quick mind, and quiet kindness. He was baptized, confirmed, and later married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake - a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Frank attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Heron Lake High School with the Class of 1950. On September 18, 1956, Frank married his beloved Donna. The two shared 67 years filled with love, steady companionship, and a deep devotion to one another.

 

Frank proudly served in the Navy Air Corps and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. It was there that he first discovered his love of flying - a passion that shaped the rest of his life. Aviation connected him with lifelong friends and led to a distinguished 37-year career spanning the Navy, the FAA, and the airlines. After 25 years in commercial aviation, Frank retired from Northwest Airlines in 1992.

 

Outside the cockpit, Frank was happiest outdoors. He was an avid hunter, always accompanied by his loyal black labs - Jill, Brooke, and Pepper. He loved to fish, enjoyed many rounds of golf, and approached every hobby with the same quiet enthusiasm that defined him. His faith also guided him deeply, and he was a long-time member of Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

 

Frank is survived by his sister, Beatrice (George) Pluard of Munster, Indiana, along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends who will remember him for his wisdom, steady presence, and gentle spirit.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; his brothers Charles, Bernard, John, and Gregory Henkels; and his sisters Margaret Henkels, Bernadine Iverson and Lucy Ferguson. The family would like to thank Seniors Helping Seniors, Plymouth. Minnesota for their care and kindness during this last year. With their assistance, Frank was able to continue to enjoy living at home.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Frank's memory by performing a random act of kindness.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11am, Monday, Dec 15 at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Dawn Valley Memorial Park.

https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/franklin-henkels/#!/TributeWall  

Washburn-McReavy.com 

Dawn Valley 952-941-7686

 

https://omny.fm/shows/world-of-aviation1/04-09-23-frank-henkels 

Al Malmberg spends the hour with Frank Henkels who joined the Navy in 1951 and worked as a mechanic and crew member on the B-26. Following his service with the Navy he went to work for North Central Airlines, Republic Airlines and Northwest Airlines.  Being a pilot runs through his veins.

 

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Donna Mae Henkels

Donna M. Henkels, the daughter of Nester and Minnie Leach, grew up on the family farm just east of Heron Lake, Minnesota. Donna graduated from Heron Lake High School in 1950 and married Franklin Henkels on September 18, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church in Heron Lake.

Donna's God-given talent was organizing. She took pride in using that talent to revamp the Pilot Wives' Group, start their Neighborhood Watch as well as the Henkels' family reunion, an annual event she and Frank spearheaded over 25 years ago………………….