Norton G. Henke, 89, of Panama, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 12:40 a.m. at his residence.
Private family ceremonies will be held with the Rev. Frank Loskot, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow the ceremonies at Union Cemetery in Panama. Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Panama is assisting the family.
Mr. Henke was born Feb. 23, 1931, in Panama, to Clifford and Anna (Krov) Henke. He married Sue Sportsman on Nov. 17, 1951, in Hillsboro, and she preceded him in death on May 14, 2018.
He graduated from Hillsboro High School with the class of 1949. As a young man, he worked construction, but went on to A.O. Smith, retiring in 1988 as a general supervisor.
Mr. Henke was a member of the Donnellson Masonic Lodge #255 as a master mason and a member of the Shriners. He was an excellent baseball player, so good that he was invited to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He enjoyed golf, boating, camping, C.B. radios and traveling with his wife.
He is survived by his children, Reggie Henke, Linda (husband David) Kindernay, both of Panama, and Kathy (husband Darvin) Hamby of Effingham; grandchildren, Tracie Henke, Amie (husband Eric) Roach, Andy (wife Elise) Kindernay, all of Hillsboro, Robby (wife Jenny) Kindernay of Atlanta, GA, and Kimi (husband Bob) Dust of Effingham; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Henke was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robby Henke; granddaughter, Jodi Sue Cox; and brother, James Henke.
Memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
