Henry Joseph Wilhelm

Henry Joseph Wilhelm, 80, a resident of New Hope, MN for nearly 50 years, passed away on September 17, 2021 after a hard-fought bout with cancer. He proceeded to the afterlife from Our Lady of Peace Home in St. Paul, MN.
“Hank” was born on September 21, 1940 in St. Martin, MN to Henry and Eleanor Wilhelm. The second born of five siblings (Mary Lou, John, Patrick, and Scheery), he divided his childhood between St. Paul and Birch Lake. He grew up to appreciate wildlife and wilderness, as well as the benefits of hard work and determination. Following his graduation from Mounds View High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force serving a tour in England as a Logistics Specialist. He returned to St. Paul and forged a long career in Lithography, mastering the process of color-matching original content and recreating onto prints, magazines and books. He continued this profession through printing process advancements and computerization until retirement.
Hank fell in love and married Lauretta “Laurie” Antoinette Wilhelm on May 26, 1967. They lived in St. Paul for several years and eventually moved to New Hope, MN, raising two sons, Henry Scott and Robin Vance. They instilled outstanding values in their sons: resolve, honesty, integrity; and provided them with the opportunity to succeed. Hank and Laurie purchased a cabin on Bass Lake near Burtrum, MN in 1971, where Hank tried to maximize his time, especially after he retired, and where Hank and Laurie formed many friendships with people in the area.
Hank was victorious in his battle against alcoholism! Recognizing the plight that this disease caused his loved ones, he quit drinking, joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and remained sober for over 20 years until his passing. During his sobriety, he evolved into a mentor, friend and brother to the members of AA. He was a faithful Catholic as a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in New Hope, MN and St. John’s Church in Swanville, MN, and was a loyal, lifelong Union man.
Hank was a master “tinkerer” and innovator, continuously attempting to improve methods to get a job done. His sons would argue that he always would choose the most complicated process to complete a project but he was undeterred by rationalism.
Hank will always be remembered for his welcoming, outgoing and humorous nature. He would always brighten people’s lives with a smile and a joke. He can be reminisced as the life of the party, causing outbursts of laughter and joy.
Hank will be joining his wife, Laurie, and all his siblings in the afterlife.
He is survived by his sons Scott (Denise) and Rob (Shay), and his grandchildren, Brendan, Ellie and Jessica.
Hank’s celebration of life was held on September 24, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Hope.