Edward Joseph Henriksen's Obituary
Edward Joseph Henriksen of Rehoboth Beach, DE, formerly of Bowie, MD, departed this life on April 12,2011 after a hard fought battle against a long and lengthy illness. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 28, 1929 to immigrant parents, Edward Ernst and Annie (Grimley) Henriksen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary.
He grew up in Greenwich, CT, graduating from Greenwich High School and played semi-pro basketball after high school with Shea's Shamrocks.
Ed enlisted with the US Army at the start of the "Forgotten War" in Korea and fought bravely with the 279th Thunderbirds, 45th Infantry Division. He attained the rank of 1st Lt. and received the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1954 and the USAF Reserves in 1959.
He attended Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WV on the GI Bill and a football scholarship- starting at center and middle linebacker. He later worked to achieve his MBA at George Washington University at night.
Ed led an exceptional career that spanned over 30 years of dedicated Civil Service. He retired in 1985 from the U.S. Department of Commerce and after a year of consulting various government agencies, he started Mill Branch Nursery, which he ran successfully until his second retirement.
Throughout his life, he was an avid golfer and a strong athlete. He stayed active at the YMCA and enjoyed gardening. He served on numerous committees in the community, set-up golf leagues and volunteered at several of the State Parks. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, family and friends. He will be remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humor and will be greatly missed by his family and always loved.
Surviving is his wife of 54 years, Barbara, one son, daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, one brother and sister-in-law and numerous nieces and one nephew.
A Chapel Committal Service will be held on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966, with full military honors. A Celebration of Edward's Life will immediately follow the Committal Service.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Sussex Family YMCA, The Strong Kids Camp, 20080 Church Street, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
Please visit and sign the online guestbook for Mr. Henriksen at www. parsellfuneralhomes.com.
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