Bruce T. Henke

FORT MYERS - Bruce Theodore Henke, 82, of Fort Myers, died peacefully on January 17, 2023. He was born on April 16, 1940, in Shawano, Wisconsin to Norman and Irene Henke. Bruce graduated from Gresham High School and later with an automotive drafting degree. He served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965. In 1964, he married Bonnie Berdan and began working for Chrysler Corporation as a drafter in Detroit, Michigan. In 1966, Bruce moved his family to Sarasota and joined Richmond Homes as a draftsmen and later was promoted to branch manager. The family moved to Fort Myers in 1969, where Bruce continued to work for Richmond Homes’ Naples’ branch. In 1981, he established his own residential construction firm, Henke Homes, and built single-family residences primarily in Naples until his retirement in 2000.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Larry Henke. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Bonnie, his children Nolan Henke (Michelle), his daughters Dawn Peden (Craig), Summer Crozier (Tom), and four grandchildren Cameron Massey, Chandler Peden, Hayden and Jake Henke, all of Fort Myers.
Bruce was involved in many organizations including Civitan International, Fort Myers Little League and the Edison Festival of Light Parade. His passion was working with his hands, including building anything he could from wood, a talent he passed on to his children, and was very proud of keeping an immaculate lawn for his and Bonnie’s home on Logan Lane.
Most of all he loved watching his children grow, get married and have children of their own and was proud of all of their many accomplishments. He joyfully rooted on his son Nolan in his PGA career as well as his daughter’s and grandchildren in their various sports, academics, careers, travels and life adventures.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
Arrangements being made by Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral & Cremation
 

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