Donald (Duke) Judson Henschell passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on August 21, 2024, at home, surrounded by his family. Duke was born on February 1, 1933, in Wexford County, the 11th of 14 children in his family. He grew up in Buckley, Michigan, and attended Buckley Rural Agricultural School, where he played baseball and basketball, earning both athletic letters. After graduating high school in 1951, Duke joined the Navy, serving his country during the Korean War as an Airplane Electrician, with Fleet Air Service Squadron 120, on an aircraft carrier stationed out of Japan. Duke was honorably discharged in 1955 as an Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer.

On November 26th, 1956, he married the love of his life, Millicent Annis Nickerson, and settled in Monroe Center where they raised their family. Duke worked for and retired from the Grand Traverse Regional Psychiatric Hospital and the United States Postal Service. They were separated by Millicent's death in June, 1991. Don found love again and on June 25th, 1994, married Kathryn (Crowley) Spaulding. They enjoyed 30 years of marriage and their retirement years together, summers on Hilltop Road in Monroe Center, in the same house Don built, and winters in Gulf Shores, always active, and ever involved with their large extended family. Don loved Pickle Ball, walking, golf, riding his bike, horse shoes, cribbage, and games. He and Kathy also enjoyed spending time with their families and friends.

Don is survived by: his wife, Kathryn; son, Mark (Sandy) Henschell, daughter, Lori (Charlie) Kolbusz; step children, Marty Spaulding, Molly (Rob) Ellis, Leah Capper, Steve Spaulding, and Mimi (Larry) Kinney; brother, Mike Henschell; son-in-law, Clay Wild; brother-in-law, Art (Diana) Nickerson; sister-in-law, JoAnn Sindall; grandchildren, McKenna Kolbusz, Trenton Kolbusz, Amelia (Garrett) Maas, Grace Kolbusz, Lily Kolbusz, Grant Kolbusz, Nick Wild, Amanda Wild, Matthew Wild, Caleb Wild, Nigel Klein, Jack Capper, Gwen Capper, Fisher Diede, Henry Diede, Lauren (Matthew) Holmstrom, Heather (Devin) Tarantino, Simeon Spaulding; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, close extended family, and friends.

Don is preceded in death by: his wife of 34 years, Millicent; daughter, Sherry (Henschell) Wild; granddaughter, Maris Spaulding; mother-in-law, Grace Crowley; his parents, Abel and Sadie Henschell; brothers, Richard (Dick), Cecil, Jack, Bill, Leonard, and Jerry; and sisters, Gertrude, Ruth, Mary, Ethel, Dorothy, and Melba.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Grawn United Methodist Church, 1260 S. West Silver Lake Road, Traverse City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM.  Graveside services and military honors conducted under the auspices of Cherryland VFW Post #2780 and the United States Navy will follow at Monroe Center Cemetery.  A luncheon will then be held at the church.  Visitation will also be held Friday, September 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, 200 N. Brownson Avenue, Kinsley, Michigan  49649.

Don's family would like to thank those who helped care for him, especially his wife Kathy, children Lori and Mark, Munson Hospice, and his physician Dr. S. Lee Warnaar. Memorial contributions may be made to Grant United Methodist Church Summer Games Camp for Children Fund or The American Cancer Society.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com