Robert Andrew Henkel

About Bob

Robert A. Henkel, age 78, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.

Bob, as he was known by friends and family, was born in St. Cloud, MN on March 9, 1946 to Andrew and Christine Henkel. He was one of 10 children and attended school in St. Cloud. He enlisted in the Marines right out of school and served two terms in Vietnam. After being discharged from the service he returned to the United States and drove truck delivering food and supplies all around the country.

On November 28, 1975 he married Karen (DeWitt) McGillivray and became the Step-Father of her four children. Wanting to be home with his family he attended training to become a hair stylist.

The family moved to Bemidji and he opened his own beauty salon. When he closed his shop he made a career move to the Beltrami County Highway Department where he worked for over 20 years before retiring.

Bob had several hobbies but the ones he mostly enjoyed were wood carving, painting, photography, hunting, fishing, and watching the Minnesota Vikings. But above all else he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 2021, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He managed to live at home for quite a while, but in 2023 he was admitted to Neilson Place Rest Home. When the new VA Home opened in Bemidji he was admitted there in January 2024. The excellent care he received there enabled him to live comfortably for another ten months. His family will be forever thankful to the staff for his for their loving care of Bob.

Bob is survived by his Wife Karen; Siblings: Paul, Sharon, Carl, Floyd, Beverly, Colleen and Drucella; Children: Todd (Wanda) McGillivray of Biwabik, MN, Mark (Sherri) McGillivray of Avon, MN, Melissa (Joel) Scheving of Greer, South Carolina, Carissa (John) Golden of Bemidji; along with his grandchildren: Mark, Alyssa, Nick, Brooklyn, Hailey, Seth, Hope, Laura, Amanda, Nate, Blake and 16 great-grandchildren.

He is preceeded in death by his Mother and Father, his brothers Gerard and Clyde, his great-grand daughter Ava, and his beloved dog Scooter.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Bob

December 6, 2024

Cease Family Funeral Home 2807 Irvine Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, USA

Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home