Carol A. Henak

Carol Ann Henak, 90, died early Saturday, June 20, 2026 at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus after a month of failing health.

She was born April 8, 1936 in New Washington to the late George F. and Ethel L. (Langjahr) Studer. Carol was very close with her family and always looked forward to meals and shopping with her mom and sisters. She had many strong relationships with her family members and dearly missed her brother who died far too young. She was very sporty and active, enjoyed going on trips and always made time for Sunday dinners. Carol had finished playing tennis with a friend one day when she caught the eye of a young man from Willard named Frank Henak who was cruising around town. He was looking for "the one”, found her, and asked her on the first of many dates of a nearly seven decade marriage. She lovingly wrote him every day while he was away in the service of his country, and they were married in St. Bernard Church on November 3, 1956. She and Frank enjoyed Saturday Date Nights at the café in Lazarus in the Richland Mall for those many years. They especially enjoyed prayers with their morning coffee together each day. Their many friends will remember them for taking care of their health as faithful walkers with each other, their children, grandchildren, and everyones’ dogs.

Carol was known for her style, class, faith, and mindful organization. She was the Executive Secretary of the Plant Manager at Timken for over 30 years and served on the Friends of the Bucyrus Library Board. She was a proud member of the New Washington High School Class of 1954 and loved planning trips, reunions, and meals with them.  She thrived as a Red Hatter in the various outings they did together, and was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, fondly loved by fellow parishioners.

Carol lived a life of love and dedication to her family and friends. They were devoted followers of their grandchildren’s events through the years including sports, recitals, and birthday parties. She will always be remembered by them as a source of love, warmth, and patience.

Carol is survived by her husband, Frank E. Henak; children, Jerry (Michelle) Henak, Greg Henak (Tonya Kindle), and Pam (Brian) Kalb; grandchildren, Brandon Henak (Crystal Dean), Amanda Henak (Tony Stevens), Nathan (Nisha) Henak, Brittany (Casey) Bates, Ryan Henak, Kaleigh (Kenny) Heinz, Annah Kalb, Derek (Kassie) Kalb, and Haley (Braeden) Butler; great grandchildren, Bentley, Blake, Parker, Stella, Knox, and Kallan; sisters-in-law, Weslie Studer Clabaugh and Bernice Moore; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by sister Arlene Heydinger and husband Russell, sister Janice Burger and husband Pete, brother Don Studer, and brothers-in-law Jack Moore and Carl Henak.

All services will be held at St. Bernard in New Washington on Wednesday, June 24. The Henak family will receive friends from 11 am - 12:45 pm at St. Bernard School. Funeral Mass will begin at 1:00 pm at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Fahrbach officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Those wishing to remember Carol with a memorial contribution are encouraged to make the gifts payable to Holy Trinity Church Building Fund or Friends of the Bucyrus Library. These gifts can be given at the services or Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Carol’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.