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Joseph Henjum Obituary

Joseph (Joe) Henjum Jr. died at home on January 1, 2010, after a long illness. Mr. Henjum was born in Hollywood, Florida on February 13, 1934, one of five children of Joseph (senior) and Alpha Henjum (deceased), both originally from Norwegian families in Minnesota. He attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, where he majored in Music Education, played clarinet and saxophone, and was Drum Major of the Band of the Hour. Later he earned a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Master of Science in Education from Troy State University. After graduating from college, Joe entered the Air Force in 1956, completing pilot training and helicopter school. During a 26-year career, he logged over 5,000 hours of flying time before retiring as a Colonel in 1982. He enjoyed a rich variety of assignments in nine states, the Philippines, Vietnam and Hawaii, as well as a tour of duty at the Air Force Academy. In his second career, Mr. Henjum served as General Manager of Cheyenne Place Retirement Community from 1983 to 1996 when he and his wife, JoAnne, worked as a team, planting roots in Colorado Springs. In the “third half� of his life, Mr. Henjum became actively engaged as a volunteer in several community service organizations and projects. He served six years as a member of the Colorado Commission on Aging and was Co-Founder and Past President of the Senior Resource Council. He was a proud member and Past President of the downtown Rotary Club of Colorado Springs. Joe was also Past President of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. With an intense interest in improving our transportation system, Mr. Henjum was a Co-Founder and Past President of the Colorado Mobility Coalition and the Pikes Peak Mobility Coalition. He also served on the East-West Mobility Study Group and was later a member of the Citizens Transportation Advisory Board for Colorado Springs. One of Colonel Henjum's most passionate efforts was as Co-Founder and Past President of The Home Front Cares, a local, non-profit, community grassroots organization that provides urgent financial support for the families of military troops deployed in harm's way. He attributed the outstanding success of this organization to the hard work of a small corps of local volunteers and the community at-large that appreciates the service and sacrifice of those who serve in the profession of arms. Mr. Henjum was selected as the 1998 Volunteer of the Year by the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments and was a Grand Marshall of the 2006 Veterans Day Parade. Mr. Henjum and his wife of 56 years, JoAnne, were college sweethearts. Their son, Mark, and his wife, Peggy Strahan Henjum, gave them two granddaughters, Lindsay Henjum Hoover and Jocelyn Henjum. Their daughter, Nancy Henjum, and her husband, Steve Kern, gave Joe and JoAnne two more wonderful grandchildren, Dylan and Kate. In addition to these family members who all live in Colorado Springs, Mr. Henjum is survived by his two sisters Shirley Henjum Meucci in Lady Lake, Florida and Dot Earney in Hollywood, Florida. His two brothers, Don and Ted also live in the family's hometown of Hollywood, Florida. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Joseph Henjum will be held at First Congregational Church in Colorado Springs at a date to be determined. Donations in his honor may be made to The Home Front Cares, P.O. Box 38516, Colorado Springs, CO 80937-8516 and to First Congregational Church, 22 E St. Vrain, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

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Published by The Gazette on Jan. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Henjum

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Margi Ness

February 2, 2010

Dear JoAnne and family,

I was so sad to learn today about Joe's passing. He was chair of the board of the Colorado Mobility Coalition while I was the director, and he was always full of enthusiasm, ideas and an amazing willingness to role up his sleeves and work.

Joe was one of those unique people who actually did something about the things he was passionate about - and what he did made a difference in the lives of many. I have high respect for Joe and the way he lead his life. My life is richer for having had him as a friend and colleague.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tim Hale

January 8, 2010

Mrs H, Mark, Nancy, and all of your families,

Col H touched me in ways you can never know. He showed so many of us young, eager, rambunctious high school boys how to focus, and WHO to focus on. Your entire family was a Lighthouse to me in high school, and as I followed in his footsteps in my own Air Force career. His kind words of encouragement as I grew in Christ as an officer and a father helped mold me throughout my adult life. He built a legacy. He continues to be a role model for me. I look forward to the next reunion.

In His Grip

Tim Hale

Bobbi Berry

January 8, 2010

Dear Cuz -

Although I only met Joe several times in our lives, he indeed exemplified what it means to be a Christian first, Husband Second, Father second and last but certainly not least, Patriot fourth. I count it a privilege to have known him as my "Cuz-In-Law" and wish peace and comfort that only comes from God for you and your lovely family.

Bobbi

Vicki Kounk

January 6, 2010

To Jo Anne, Mark and Nancy and your families: To tell you how much Joe will be missed doesn't seem enough. He will have a place in our hearts forever. Through The Home Front Cares he not only became a colleague, but a dear and devoted friend to Clint and I.

Josephine Trujillo

January 5, 2010

To the entire Henjum family---
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had the privilege of working at Cheyenne Place when Mr. Henjum was GM...he was a very kind, considerate man. I am glad I had the chance to know both Mr & Mrs. Henjum. My deepest sympathy. God bless you all and may Mr Henjum rest in peace.

January 5, 2010

JoAnne: Della Mae joins me in sending our deepest sympathy over Joe's passing. He was a good friend and mentor during our years together at Scott. I treasure those memories and hope we can all sit down together again some day and enjoy them again.

Covey Campbell, Chatham, Illinois

Russell Moulton

January 5, 2010

Dear Henjum Family,

My interactions with Joe over the past 35 years were always through my parents, whether it was a social gathering of his Air Force brethren at Scott AFB, or an intimate holiday dinner with family. Joe was truly a "Real Stand-Up Guy" and he was an inspiration to all who met him. I will cherish the Christmas Dinner I spent with Joe, JoAnne, and my family just a few short weeks ago. Joe spoke very fankly about how grave his health situation was, but in the face of adversity, Joe was upbeat and still talked about helping others through his many causes. He will be missed, but not be forgotten. Hugs, love, and warmth to you all.

Julie Hedman (Aitken)

January 4, 2010

It has been so many years since I last saw your dad, and yet his passing brings me to tears. I will NEVER forget the many hours I spent under the godly influence of your parents during our teenage years at Scott ... I came to Christ late one night in your living room thanks to Joe and JoAnne's graciousness in letting Tim Hale bring me over at such a late hour. I am so saddened by your loss.

Karen Bradley

January 4, 2010

Dear JoAnne, both of our "boys" are now singing together again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Karen Bradley

George Livingston

January 4, 2010

JoAnne, you had Joe for a little while, but the big man needed a good Helicopter Pilot - I hope He has gone to prep a good LZ for the rest of us. Thanks Joe for all you did for me in SEA and the many good turns for the 20th.

Dr. Mike and Lori Barker

January 4, 2010

Our hearts and prayers are with you. We are deeply saddened by the news of Joe's passing. Joe was our inspiration and we will miss him deeply.

Barbara Lustgarten

January 4, 2010

Joe was a wonderful classmate at SBHS, and a dandy person to know. He will be greatly missed.
Barbara Lustgarten, M.D.
SBHS class of 1952

January 4, 2010

JoAnne and family, Joe was a true patriot who really cared about our community and those military families who called Colorado Springs home while serving their country. He was a very giving man and his legacy will live on for many, many years.

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Joe will be missed by many in our community.

Bernie Herpin, Capt, USAF (Ret)
Council Member
City of Colorado Springs

Jeanne Connor-Baxter

January 4, 2010

JoAnne and family, my fond memories of Joe go back to sixth grade in Hollywood, Florida, and continued through college when Dick and I were neighbors in the "married dorms" of the University of Miami.
Joe was a leader all his life and his legacy is one of teamwork with JoAnne that resulted in the many accomplishments of his life.

He will be missed by all who knew him. You, JoAnne, and his family are in our prayers. Love, Jeannie Connor Baxter

Tony Barile

January 4, 2010

JoAnne, You have my deepest sympathy. Sadly, we have lost one of our leaders.
Tony Barile
Class of '52 SBHS
Palm Bay, FL

Alfred Short

January 4, 2010

January 4, 2010

Dear JoAnne, We are so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was at the AF Academy while our son Alfred Jr. (Freddy) was there. We all had the happyest of times in the U of M Band with Fred McCall as well as in the
Air Force. Please accept our deepest sympathy for you and your family.

Love,

Al and Sharon(Tallant) Short and Sheila Gisbert

January 4, 2010

JoAnne, I'm sure that Dad, Bob Slater, was at the piano waiting for Joe. May you take comfort in knowing that you had 'the best'. lovingly, Suzie Curtis

Robert Brown

January 4, 2010

our love,sympathies and prayers go out to the entire family in the loss of Joe. Robert remembers him as a neighbor while living in Hollywood and riding the bus together to school.May God give you all his peace that passeth all understanding and comfort you, love and Blessings, Robert and Nell Brown

January 4, 2010

I AM SOO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOE BUT KNOW HE IS IN A FAR FAR BETTER PLACE THAN WE ARE. YOU AREIN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. BARBARA ELLIS WILLIS

January 3, 2010

JoAnne, We send our deepest sympathy. Joe was a beloved member of the University Band of the Hour. Jane and John Hambrick, Cassville, GA.

Susan Jennaro

January 3, 2010

Joe was an exceptional person, caring, patient, a leader. I worked with Joe via Pikes Peak Mobility Coalition. Joe was a tireless transit advocate. Joe was one of the leaders he brought about dedicated funding for Colorado Springs transit services. His leadership and vision will be missed. Sue Jennaro (Currently Williamsburg, Virginia)

Dan Sievers

January 3, 2010

Mark... so sad to hear about the loss of your dad. From what I read, he lived quite a full amd fulfilling life! Praying comfort for you in sadness and great joy in remembering.

January 3, 2010

JoAnne: We send our best wishes and sympathy to you and the family. Jerry & Allene Capley

January 3, 2010

Our heart felt sympathies go out to the entire Henjum family. My wife and I only met the Henjums once but they touched our lives forever. Thanks for the gift of love!

Bkea Terry/Johnson

January 3, 2010

The Charles Terry Family is deeply saddened by the loss of a great man. We send out love to JoAnne and the kids. I would like to attend the memorial service as a representative for our family who dearly loves the Henjum family.

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