Carl Rudolph Henke
May 25, 1925 – April 28, 2017
Carl Rudolph Henke passed from this earthly life to his spiritual and heavenly home on Friday April 28, 2017 at the age of 91. He was the first child born to Rudolph Henke and Allie Mae Weber Henke in Healdton, Oklahoma on May 25, 1925 while his father was working in the oil fields there. The actual epicenter for the Henke heritage clan was in and around the small quaint town of Orlando, Oklahoma, in northern Logan County. Carl was very proud of his Orlando family history where his paternal Grandparents, Gustav Henke and Selma Miller Henke who immigrated there in 1901. He grew up and attended schools in Orlando surrounded by a multitude of family and extended family. He attended Orlando High School and graduated from St. John's Junior College in Winfield, Kansas in1943. He answered the call to duty and served his country by enlisting in the United Sates Naval Reserves. During this time his academic excellence was recognized and he was given the opportunity to attend Southern Methodist University, SMU, in Dallas, Texas. At SMU, he obtained his Bachelor of Science and Electrical Engineer Degrees in 1946.
He returned to Oklahoma moving to the Guthrie area in 1948. Carl began work at a family owned farm implement business before setting out on a lifetime career in the electrical utility power industry. He owned and operated his own electrical business during the 1950's and 60's, and eventually retired as Western District Supervisor from Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, (OG&E).
Carl's steadfast faith in God and his family were the focal point all his life. Through life's twist and turns and marriage to Pauline on August 19, 1968, he became the patriarch of a large blended family. Holidays, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners were some of his greatest joys. It was all about being surrounded by family. Carl and Pauline also enjoyed travel and tireless church work. Moving back to the farm in southern Logan County, building their home, watching the wildlife, and hobby farming on their land was another highlight they shared together. The land and farming always seemed to tug at his heart.
Carl is survived by his wife Pauline of the home, sister Alline Pfeiffer of Orlando, OK. Brother Allen "Doc" Henke, (Deloris) "DEE" of Perry, OK. Also surviving him are children: Carla Lattimore (Frank) Charles Henke (Ronda) Darrell Hampton, Gary Hampton (Mel) Richard Hampton, Bobby Henke, Susan Henke, Carl Jr. Henke (Carolyn) as well as a host of relatives, cousins, nieces, and nephews, He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by brother in-law John Henry Pfeiffer and daughter in-law Brinda Hampton.
This "Grand Ole Family Patriarch" will be deeply missed. Well done good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:21
A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 in Edmond, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery in Guthrie, Oklahoma.