Naomi "Toni" Ruth Henkel

Naomi Ruth “Toni” Henkel age 85 died suddenly on June 23, 2022. Naomi was born Naomi Ruth Nass on June 12, 1937, to Edna Nass in Chicago, IL.  Naomi spent her youth and the majority of her adulthood in the Chicago area, although she did spend time across the years in Phoenix, AZ, Long Beach CA, and various places in Wisconsin.  Most recently Naomi lived in Appleton.

 

Naomi was a free spirit that allowed her to embrace all manner of spiritual gifts.  She was a hands-on healer who practiced Reiki.  Naomi fed her artistic heart by writing poetry and short stories and as a young adult performed vocally at a club in Chicago.

 

Naomi self-published a book of poetry.  Decorating was a passion for her, and she showed her excellent taste through that.

 

Naomi’s heart of gold endeared her to all who came into contact with her.  Her strong faith kept her grounded in the best possible ways.  Neighbors loved her and supported her and her three daughters each took unto themselves various aspects of her personality and heart.  

 

Naomi was always searching for truth.  She was an ardent searcher of spiritual truths and deeper meaning to all things.  Daughters recall her gift of healing hands providing true healing in person and across distances. Naomi was truly a guiding force for her daughters in their faith-even in times when she herself was uncertain.

 

Naomi was also gifted businessperson at times owning in the mortgage brokerage, working in the real estate industry and various sales opportunities.

 

Naomi will be remembered as strong willed, strong in spirit, a woman of many talents and a generous soul. She always made people laugh, had the need to enjoy life, appreciated the joy in life and knew that her family were her diamonds. Nana’s (“Nah-nah”) house was a place of wonders for her grandchildren.  Play dates were spent dressing up in her clothing, eating junk food, sharing stories, watching movies, and looking at old photos.

 

Naomi is survived by her daughters: Diana (Bob) Sweitzer, Deborah Santucci, Laura (John) Schober; grandchildren: Matthew, Daniel, John, Peter, Danielle, Alec, Steven, Erin, Johnny; great grandchildren: Nicholas, Dominic, Anthony, Majal, Filliano, Juliette, Ava, Ella, Elaina, and Peyton.

 

Naomi was greeted at the gates of Heaven by the love of her life Russel Henkel, her mother Edna, son in law: Giovanni Cesarone; grandsons: Ryland and Ryan and great grandson Oliver, sister: Marilyn (Frank) King and her nephew Stephen.

 

A funeral service for Naomi will be held Thursday June 30, 2022, at 7:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home 537 N Superior Street in Appleton.  Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 5:00pm until the service begins.