Wilbert John Hennel

Deerfield Township, OH - Wilbert John Hennel, (Bill) age 90, of Deerfield Township, Ohio, was called to eternal rest on Thursday, February 3, 2022 while at his home.  Bill was born on November 24, 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Wilbert J. Hennel, Sr. and the late Mary E. (Davis/Taylor) Hennel.

Bill was united in marriage for 70 years to Shirley Kathryn (Brennan) Hennel on December 27, 1951 in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Along with his loving wife Shirley, Bill is survived by his son, Robert (Lynn) of Deerfield Township, OH, his son William (Angie) of Bradenton, FL, his son Thomas (Melissa) of South Bend, IN, his daughter Debra (Trey) Rouse of Cincinnati, OH his grandchildren Brittany, Kelsey, Quinn, Thomas Jr., Marissa, Ainsley and his great grandchildren Dylan, Harper and Mason.

Bill is survived by his sisters Joanne Stinson, Janet Spiegle, Sandy (Jerry) Ashmore, Sue Orlando and sister-in-law Helen (Owens) Hennel.  He is preceded in death by his sister Joyce (Mapes), his sister Carol (Dunham), his brother James, and step father Hayden Taylor.

A man known by many names ……

On October 9, 1951, “Sarge” enlisted and began a 20-year career with the United States Air Force.  Over the next 2 decades “Sarge” and Shirley would travel the U.S. and the globe living in places like Texas, Newfoundland, Tennessee, Maine, New York, Utah, Germany and The Netherlands ultimately ending their journey back in Ohio. Balancing marriage, raising a family and serving his country, “Sarge” did two tours (2 years) in Vietnam along with aiding in the Korean War.  “Sarge” received honors in Small Arms Expert Marksmanship as well as numerous Air Force Commendation and National Defense Service Medals among others.  Additionally, “Sarge” managed the motor pool and munitions depots as an Ammunition Foreman.  After a distinguished 20-year career of serving his country, “Sarge” retired from the Air Force in 1972 and settled in Cincinnati with his family.

After his first retirement, Bill began working for McLean Trucking.  Hauling tractor trailers long distance across the country Bill refined a valuable skillset he would later take to the U.S. Postal Service moving bulk-mail around the greater Cincinnati area.  After an 11-year stint serving his country through the Postal Service, the “Mailman” retired again, this time turning his full focus towards his family.

Many in the family called him “Sonny”, a reference to his relationship to his own father.  However, undeniably his favorite nickname was “Grampy”.  He doted on all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren getting on the ground to play any and all games that interested them.  He was a well accomplished “instructor” teaching many of them to walk, ride bicycles and even drive cars.  He especially loved to teach them to fish and cherished walking on the Florida gulf beaches with them. Family was without question his pride and joy.

During the summers of his retirement, Wilbert took on the title of “farmer”, growing arguably the best eating and spaghetti sauce making tomatoes in Ohio.  During the winters of his retirement Bill took on the title of “snow bird” spending time on the west coast of Florida relaxing with family and friends.  After a well lived and full life, God called “Pops” home.

Visitation services will be held at 9:00 am Friday, February 11, 2022 at The Community of the Good Shepard, 8815 East Kemper Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45249.  A mass of Christian Burial will be performed by Father Jack Wehmen @ 10:00 am also at Good Shepard Church.  Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery 11000 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249 will immediately follow.

Expressions of sympathy to the Hennel family may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation