August 21, 1927 – January 3, 2025
It is with profound sadness the family announces the passing of Fern Henkel (nee McDonald) on January 3, at the age of 97.
Fern was predeceased by her parents, her husband Arthur Henkel, daughter Sharon Hall, her brothers Jack, Lorne, Harry, Alvin and Bruce McDonald as well as her sister Lois Sanuik.
Fern leaves to cherish her memory her son Larry, daughter Rhonda Stangl (Clarence), son Allan (Laureen) and son Bryan. Grandchildren Greg Anderson, Ryan Henkel, Crystal Wels (Mike), Jennifer Stangl and Ashley Slywchuk (Andrew) along with several Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren.
Mom was born on August 21, 1927 in Toronto, ON. When she was 19 she married Art and they moved to Winnipeg, where Art was from, and they started their family. In 1953 the Henkel Family (Art’s Dad William along with Art and his brothers Harry, Bill and Ed) started Brooklands Speedway. All of the families were involved from ticket sales to selling popcorn in the stands until the speedway closed in 1973.
Family was always Mom’s priority and we all have great memories of camping, family events, summer BBQ’s and Christmas celebrations.
Mom loved to travel and Las Vegas, Florida, Hawaii and Alaska were highlights for her. She was always interested in her English/Scottish heritage and for her 90th birthday she took the trip of a lifetime to London, England with Rhonda, Clarence, Jenn and Ryan. She toured Buckingham Palace, had Tea at The Ritz and visited all the spots she had only read about.
The last few years Mom’s health started to fail but she fought right until she went into the hospital and even then she said she felt like she still had a few things she wanted to do.
Rest Well Mom & Nanny! You are loved and will be missed!
A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.
