Gale N. Henn

Gale N. Henn, age 88, of Hastings, passed away at home on January 11, 2024.

Gale was born February 17, 1935 in Plum City, WI to Rose and Edmund Henn.

He was the youngest born and brother to John Henn, Robert Henn, Harriett Henn Siewert, Goldeen Henn Staehli, Verona Henn Branson, Alberta Henn Beuchat and Harold Henn. His siblings all preceded him in death. Gale graduated from Red Wing High School where he spent most of his time in shop class – which is no surprise to those who knew him. He worked at the Red Wing Shoe Factory for a while before joining the Air Force in 1958. After being discharged, he attended and graduated from Northwestern Electronics School in Minneapolis in 1963. His first job was at Gopher Aviation, then Flying Cloud Airport and finally Northwest Airlines, which he retired from in 1997.

Airplanes were Gale’s first love – his favorite place to be was up in the clouds! On June 6, 1964, he married Linda Winblad. Before the wedding ceremony that evening, he spent many hours flying around the Red Wing airport in the Red Wing Soaring Club’s glider.

Gale was a true sportsman – he did it all and loved being in the woods or on the river soaking up nature’s beauty. One summer he marked 52 times on the calendar for the days he spent fishing or boating with his family.

He could fix anything – his granddaughters often called him MacGuyver. In his later years he really got into woodworking – he especially excelled in carving and produced pieces to perfection. People would often call out his talent and patience when admiring his work. For those of you that have seen his carvings, you know how precise he was on everything he created. His friend and neighbor, Bruce, gave him the title “Wood Wizard” – that he was!!!

Gale leaves us with a beautiful legacy. He passed peacefully in his home, just as he wished always telling everyone the only way he was leaving his home was feet first.

He was special and had a good life filled with love and sugary baked goods – especially pie and ice cream which he had every day for lunch. Gale was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend – we love you and miss you.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters, Jen Henn, and Shelly Henn (Bill Kasel); granddaughters, Avery and Elsa Marshall; a very loved granddog, Olive; sister-in-law, Lora Henn; and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Gale Henn will be having an open house celebration of his life on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024

from 1-4 pm. There will be a time for folks to share “Gale” memories and stories at 1:30 PM.

It will be held at the Dakota County Park Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center. Directions follow.

Pie, Ice Cream, and Coffee will be served in honor of Gale’s favorite lunch.