Duane Alan “Dewey” Henschel of Devils Lake, ND, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND at the age of 70 years.
Duane “Dewey” Henschel was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Devils Lake, ND, to Elmer and Lavina (Sand) Henschel joining two brothers and becoming an older brother to three more siblings. He made his journey to the after life on Aug. 6, 2026, after courageous battles with his health. Dewey fought hard for many years, never losing his courage and fight.
Dewey was born and raised in Devils Lake, ND, attending elementary school at Prairie View and graduating with the Class of 1974 at Central High School. It was during high school he was given the nickname we all know him by, Dewey. He began his working life at the Lutheran Home. He then found his life long passion of woodwork and carpentry. Dewey was very intelligent, learning and perfecting his skills the old fashioned way; on the job while working with many contractors throughout the Lake Region. Dewey left his mark and legacy on many buildings until his retirement in 2007. Even when not working, he was always working with his hands building and creating beautiful woodworks.
Dewey was a laid back man who enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and fishing with a nice cold beverage. It was at one of those campfires in June 1981 he locked eyes with Janice Rodlin who would become the love of his life. They were married August 11, 1990 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church.
Dewey, Janice, and daughter Crystal moved to Vancouver, WA in 1985. The next year they welcomed their son, Josh. In 1992 the family returned to Devils Lake where they built their life and home with Dewey continuing his career in carpentry.
Dewey is survived by his loving wife, Janice (Rodlin) Henschel, daughter Crystal Hoffmeister, and son Josh Henschel all of Devils Lake, ND, sisters Patti (Bryan) Smith of Horace, ND and Sandra Henschel of Fargo, sisters-in-law Denise Henschel of Fargo and Judy (Rodlin) Vigil of Devils Lake, brother-in-law Allan Rodlin of Devils Lake, grandchildren India, Vegas, and Ethan of Oregon, many nieces, nephew, two great grandchildren and many lifelong friends and family along the way.
He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Lavina Henschel, brothers Robert, Terry, and Brad Henschel, sister-in-law Laurie Henschel, father-in-law Leland Rodlin, mother-in-law Eldoris (Rodlin) Dosch, step father-in-law Edward Dosch, brother-in-law Gary Rodlin, niece Tasha Rodlin, as well as many beloved friends.
Dewey is and will continue to be deeply missed. Rest in Eternal Peace.
“Let Dewey Do It.”
Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery.