John Bernard Henkels III
June 19, 1923 - September 2, 2021
John Bernard Henkels III was welcomed into the world by Anne M. and John B. Henkels, Jr. on June 19, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He and his four siblings grew up honing their knowledge through extensive education, a healthy Catholic faith, and the loving guidance of their parents.
As a young man, John was proud to serve his country during World War II in the ETO, an experience later documented in his published memoir, “They Also Served.” After the war ended, he attained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Haverford College. He met and married Jean Therese Merkl, the steadfast love of his life. As the two began their family in Pennsylvania, John worked for the family’s utility construction business, Henkels & McCoy. When he was appointed the Executive Vice President – West in 1970, John and Jean moved their young family out to Salt Lake City, Utah.
John was an active member of the community. His various community service endeavors included serving on the board of the Utah Opera for many years and running an arts festival to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen for five years. John also supported education, including St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, Judge Memorial Catholic High School, St. Ambrose Catholic School and the Cathedral Choir School. He also served on the board of overseers at Whitman College.
After his retirement, John earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Utah. He and Jean traveled the world and devoted themselves to the service of their Catholic community. As a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, John was very devout in his faith and will be lovingly remembered by his parish of St. Ambrose. In September 2017, he was recognized for his WWII service during a Utah Honor Flight. John was an avid fisherman, skier, and tennis player. He was a fixture on the courts at the Cottonwood Country Club for over thirty years, He enjoyed going after trophy chinook salmon, northern pike, and lake trout in Canada and Alaska.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, his four siblings, his daughter Helen, and his daughter-in-law Elizabeth. He is survived by his twelve children: John, Margret, Larry (Ellen), Barbara (Dave), Anne (Gaylord), Mark (Marcella), Jean, Richard, Edward, Diane (Dan), Donna (Jeff), and Andrea (Mike). He was also blessed with many grandchildren and great- grandchildren. John’s presence on this earth greatly enhanced the lives of so many. He will be missed and remembered by all fortunate enough to have known him.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 1:00 pm at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2315 East Redondo Avenue, Salt Lake City. Friends may pay their last respects to John and his family one hour prior to Mass.
In Loving Memory
Larry, Ellen and girls, So very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great man!
Dot & Jeff Stefanich
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Dear Henkles Family, My thoughts & prayers are with your family as you mourn the loss of your Father John, and celebrate the completion of John’s incredible “Circle of Life”. May John & Jean Henkles Rest In Peace Together Forever. Sincerely, Charlotte
Charlotte Mates
Moab, UT
I extend my sympathy to all the Henkels on the loss of their father. Mr. Henkels was always friendly, kind, and fun and he reminded me of my father, Marvin Egleston, in that he had a certain boyish charm. I admired his curiosity about the world and his adventurous spirit. I will miss him, as I do Jean. Sending my love and best wishes to his family.
Elizabeth (Egleston) Giraud
Salt Lake City, UT
Our love and condolences to the Henkel families at the loss of their Father, John. He live a long and fruitful life and will be missed by all who knew him. We were friends for decades and enjoyed our times together and both our wives were Jean ! I played tennis for many years with John at the Cottonwood Club , while Jean & Jean we’re contributing their time as community volunteers ! John deserves to join his lovely wife again. May good memories sustain you in your time of sorrow ! Jean & Harry Wong, MD.
Jean & Harry Wong, M.D.
Salt Lake City, UT
Dear Henkels Family: Your father will be remembered as a kind man who welcomed us as members of Saint Vincent de Paul Church many years ago. As a young mother, to me he offered his child rearing advice. It was simple; "They chip away at you, and you hold the line!" He made us smile and he and your dear mother served as role models to many. I remember how a few years back, they were honored at a gala benefit for the Congar Institute as laity who provided leadership examples to others. It was a blessing to have known them.
Ernie and Susan Northway
Salt Lake City, UT
To the Henkels family and Company family my condolences. We lost a kind but tough man.
William Simon
Fort Johnson, NY
We are truly blessed to have such an amazing person as husband, father , grandfather, greatgrand father and dear friend to many. The loss is great ,though mixed with joy knowing he now is with his beloved Jean , and family that has passed before. His spirit and well as Jean's will live on and continue to inspire all of us ! Miss you and love you Dad. Look forward to one amazing Spud game when we are all together again!!! Love Burfy Burf!
jean Henkels Jr
nan, nan
My condolences to the family. I remember a time when my car broke down in Salt Lake City, he put me up for a couple of days and taught me to tie a bowtie. Rest in peace.
Lewis Stoffel
CINCINNATI, OH