Jack Henshilwood

Jack Henshilwood age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025 with his loving wife and family by his side. 

Jack is survived by his wife, of 70 years, Myrna Henshilwood; children, MaryBeth Rivera and Eric Henshilwood; grandchildren Zachary Rivera, Megan (John) Vater, Matthew Rivera, Jacob (Serena) Rivera, Joshua Henshilwood, and Jessica (Jeffrey) Jillson; great-grandchildren, Rhett and Lilah Henshilwood, Jaxson and Parker Jillson, Penelope, Emma and Zoey Vater; brother-in-law Chuck (Sue) Landers; nieces, Wynn Gaelyn and Kimberly Bahorich; nephews Greg Landers, Scott Early and Tod Karasoff; and many close family friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Ray and Louise Henshilwood; in-laws James and Myra Landers; sisters Helen Keen and AnnaMary Earley; brother-in-law Ed Earley; sister-in-law Marilyn Karasoff; nephews Eddie Early and Tim Karasoff; niece Julie Landers; along with numerous family and dear friends.

Jack was born March 13, 1932 in Clay County, Indiana and was a 1950 graduate of Hammond Technical-Vocational High School. Jack went on to proudly serve his country in the US Air Force, as an Airman First Class, from 1953 to1955 with an honorable discharge. During his time in the Air Force he served as an air traffic controller in Germany and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. He met his wife while home on leave for his sister's wedding on December 4, 1954, Jack proposed to Myrna on Valentine's Day in 1955 and they were married on June 4, 1955.....it was truly love at first sight! They just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on June 4, 2025. In 1957 they bought their first home in Highland, in 1966 welcomed their first child MaryBeth and in 1967 their second child Eric. Jack worked over the years as a purchasing manager for many companies and retired from Globe Building Materials in 1990. 

He enjoyed coaching Highland little league, golfing and cooking with his wife.  Their cheesecake was legendary and a regularly, requested favorite.  He also enjoyed watching The Chicago White Sox and Da Bears, spending time with his family and trying to solve the world problems with his favorite Minister Randy. In his later years he loved listening to podcasts, Willie Nelson music and Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan novels.

Jack became a Master Mason of Garfield Lodge No. 569 in 1961.  He received the honorable award of Diamond Jubilee for 60 years of outstanding service, dedication, and continuous membership in 2022.  He joined the Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend Freemasonry in 1962, where he became a 32nd˚ Master Mason which is the highest degree in the Scottish Rite.

Jack was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend; he will be truly missed by all who knew him. 

A Celebration of life will be held at the Lincoln Street Christian Church, 2420 Lincoln Street Highland, IN on Friday September 26, 2025. Friends can visit with the family and pay their respects from 5:30pm-6:30pm, a Masonic ceremony will be held at 6:45pm and prayer service from 7:00pm to 7:30pm. 

 In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Lincoln Street Christian Church or Hospice of the Calumet Area in Jack's name. 

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