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Ronnie Henk, 73, beekeeper who retired from a long career with NASA

Ronnie Henk
Ronnie Henk

Ronnie Henk, an avid gardener and beekeeper who served as President of the Virginia State Beekeepers Association and was voted the Virginia State Beekeeper of the Year in 2008 (L.L. Langstroth Award), died Dec. 28, 2013, due to a massive heart attack.

Mr. Henk graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1962 with a degree in civil engineering and later received a Masters Degree from Virginia Tech. He had a long, fulfilling career with NASA where his peer awarded him (Ronnie R. “Redline” Henk) the “Fine Tooth Comb Award” when he retired in 1998.

He was a “jack of all trades” and master of many of them, never an idle man and always ready to help anyone at a moment’s notice.

He held many responsible positions at Olive Branch Christian Church and sang in the choir for most of the past 40 years. His laugh filled the sanctuary, letting the pastor know when he had told a joke well. He would have chosen the Memorial Trust Fund OBCC as a memorial as he was one of the trustees of that fund since its inception.

He was born and raised in Western, Neb. and was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Maria Henk; brother, Boyd; and sister, Joanne Meyer.

He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 664 months and 4 days (as he would say with his ongoing tally); his children, Roy, Cherrine Reed (Kevin) and Neal (Lisa); grandchildren, Jenna Reed, McKenzie and Mariah Henk; one honorary daughter, Sandy Trim (Kenny); honorary granddaughters, Christina and Katie Jones; and honorary great-granddaughters, Sophia Jones and Melody Lambert; sister, Verda Schoenbeck; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

The family wants to thank those who attended to him and his wife during the last minutes of his life, particularly John (Jesse) Shelton, Sherry McKown, Judy Houchens and her children, Hunter and Chelsea; Sentara ER: Dr. Paul Cash and wonderful nurses, Jane, Debbie and Frosty, Chaplain Milt Hines; and church support from Pastor Richard Cline, Andy Bradshaw, Clay and Shirley Harrison, Fred Rothermel, Kim Riffle and Virginia Dare Waltrip.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at Olive Branch Christian Church: 7643 Richmond, Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23188.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the OBCC Memorial Trust Fund.

Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.

 

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