It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Timothy J. Henschel, of Manitowoc on July 25, 2026 at Complete Care of Manitowoc, with his children by his side.
Tim was born November 25, 1946 to the late Clarence “Henna” and Marie Henschel in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Tim attended schools in Kiel and graduated with the class of 1965 from Kiel High School. He later attended Lakeshore Technical Institute where he graduated with an associates degree in accounting. Tim was employed by various companies including Metal Ware and Chilton Toys. He later worked in manufacturing at Spartek until his retirement.
Tim enjoyed spending time with his family camping in Door County when his children were younger. As his children grew, he instilled in them a love for sports. He was most proud of his daughters’ accomplishments on the basketball court and attending their state basketball game in 1994. He also enjoyed watching his son play baseball for a variety of teams, especially the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh baseball team. Tim was often found pacing and talking in the stands out of pure nervousness for his children’s competitions. He later enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s school and athletic events.
Although Tim had many interests, his love of fishing stands out the most. He enjoyed fishing on most local lakes as well as up North. He shared his love for fishing with his children. Later in life, he shared his passion for fishing with his son-in-law and grandsons. He thoroughly enjoyed his yearly trip to Pickerel Lake for the past twenty-one years, a trip that he took with his father as a young boy.
In his retirement, Tim spent more time up North. He enjoyed fishing and exploring the north woods with his special friend, Bonnie.
Tim’s other interests over the years included summer softball with the team from Van’s Athletic Club. Until recently, he also enjoyed participating in a weekly dartball league. Tim was an avid Wisconsin Badger and Milwaukee Brewer fan. He attended games with his son not only at Camp Randall, but making trips to watch the Badgers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at “The Shoe” in Ohio, and to Notre Dame in Indiana. Additionally, he enjoyed men’s and women’s college basketball making trips to the Final Four a few times. Tim attended other sports competitions checking off many items on his “sports” bucket list. Those included the first Big Ten Football Championship, the US Open Tennis Tournament, Brett Favre’s Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the College Baseball World Series.
Over the years, Tim could be found on a volleyball court, baseball or softball diamond, officiating various games. He was recently recognized by the Manitowoc County Sports Officials Association for his thirty-five years of service.
Many did not know that Tim was a superior cook and baker. He was known to give his children smokefish and his grandchildren were often treated with his Saturday morning muffins. Grandpa Tim made the best breakfasts.
Tim is survived by his three children, Stephanie Henschel (significant other, Seth Powers), Manitowoc; Sarah (Travis) Peterson, Manitowoc; and Nicholas Henschel, Sheboygan; four grandchildren: Kendra, Brock, Taylor, and Kolten Peterson all of Manitowoc; the mother of his children, Janice Henschel; a brother Fritz (Barbara) Henschel, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Tim was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Marie; brother: William Henschel; and a nephew, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. Rev. Arogya Prashanth Gade will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with burial to follow Mass at Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Manitowoc County Sports Officials Association and the Manitowoc County Lakes Association.
The family wishes to thank Aspirus Hospital Wausau ICU, Aurora Hospital Manitowoc ICU, Holy Family Memorial Wound Clinic, Complete Care at Manitowoc, and Sharon Richardson Hospice. Special thanks goes out to Carrie Reynolds of Aurora Medical and Dr. Kelly Eells, and Dr. Nicole Kakuk of Wound Care and their team. Finally, thank you to Brianna, Roxanne, Katie, Amber, Kristin, Lindsey, Elena, and Della of Complete Care of Manitowoc and Jeremy from Sharon Richardson Hospice. We are profoundly grateful to our family and friends who supported us and our father through his journey. He is the strongest person we ever knew.
Life can change in an instant. Focus on making memories with those you love.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
