GREENSBORO - Henry Charles Semmler "Hank", 82, died on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Friends Homes Guilford. Friends and family will celebrate his life in the living room at Friends Homes at Guilford on Saturday, December 1, at 3 p.m., with David Bills officiating.
Hank was born on December 31, 1929 to Alta Rusack Semmler and Fritz Semmler, both deceased. Alta's sister, Minchen "Mimi" Rusack, was influential in his young life after the death of his mother. Surviving are his sons, Carl Douglas Semmler and wife Diane Semmler of Summerfield, NC and Stephen Lee Semmler and wife Kathryn Semmler of Westerville, OH. Grandchildren: Sean and Nate Semmler of Summerfield and Ryan and Allison Semmler of Westerville, OH. Other relatives include a sister-in-law, Anne Peace Martin and her husband Ron Martin of Morganton, NC; a sister-in-law Nancy Peace Romeo and her husband Steve Romeo of Greensboro, NC; nieces Sarah Hanson and husband David, Karen Allred and husband Greg, Carol Kelley and husband Jeff, Linda Leach and husband Mark; and cousins Katherine Addams and husband Jack and John Rusack.
Hank was born in Brooklyn, NY, but later moved to Storrs, Connecticut, where his father taught in the German Department at the University. He moved south to attend Guilford College where he majored in English and graduated in 1951, having served in the Army. While at Guilford, he met Gene Peace, whom he married in 1951. They were married 60 years before Gene's death in May of 2012. Hank earned a Masters in English from UNC and a Masters in Economics from Duke. He later taught at Guilford College as an English professor and continued his Guilford connection working in the Alumni Office. Subsequently, he taught English in High Point, first at High Point Andrews and later at High Point Central, retiring in 1990.
He lived at Friends Homes Guilford where he enjoyed playing bridge. Hank was a member of New Garden Friends Meeting and was active in many Quaker activities, most recently serving as a member of New Garden's Ministry and Counsel. Earlier, he enjoyed singing in the Meeting's choir for nearly 40 years. For many years he and Gene were active participants with a group of sailors who enjoyed sailing, traveling, and eating together.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends Homes at Guilford's Resident's Assistance Fund, 925 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC 27455.
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