Henry, Charles R. -- 1912 - 2000

SEXTON, HENRY, COLLINS, PUGH, MOTH

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 7/19/2010 at 16:43:20

Decorah Public Opinion, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2000

Charles R. Henry

Dr. Charles R. Henry, 88, of Ossian died Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2000, at his residence after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

A funeral mass was held Friday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with con celebrants, the Rev. Msgr. Cletus Hawes and the Rev. Charles Collins.

Diane Stee was the organist. She accompanied the St. Francis adult choir and congregational singing.

Tom Bushman was the lector. Gift carriers were Patrick Henry and Ellen Pugh.

Casket bearers were Maurice Collins, Arthur Hemesath, Evrouly Beckman, Bradley Brockman, Karl Schroeder and Ronald Becker.

In honorary attendance were members of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2073, and members of the Brockman-Hammersland American Legion Post No. 503.

Interment was at the St. Francis Cemetery. The Schmitz Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Charles Henry was born Feb. 1, 1912, in rural Bluffton, the son of John and Catherine (Sexton) Henry. He was subsequently baptized at St. Bridget's parish in rural Bluffton.

Growing up on the farm of his parents, Charles began his education at a small country school in Bluffton. Transferring to Columbia Academy
in Dubuque for his secondary education he continued his studies at Loras College earning a bachelor of science degree in 1933.

He then accepted teaching positions at Fort Atkinson and New Albin before deciding to return to college to study dentistry at the University of Iowa. He earned his doctorate in dental surgery in 1942, graduating at the top of his class.

Before leaving to serve in World War II, Charles was united in marriage to Bernice (Bonnie) Collins of Ossian at St. Francis de Sales Church May 16, 1942. Soon thereafter, he was called into active service with the United States Navy dental corps.

He spent two years in the jungle of Bougainville Island in the South Pacific, attaining the rank of Lt. Commander.

Upon war's end, Charles returned to Ossian and began a dental practice with his wife that spanned over five decades. His son, Dr. Patrick Henry, joined him in practice in 1981 and continues there to this day.

Charles was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and its Rosary Society. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2073.

Survivors include a son, Dr. C. Patrick Henry of Ossian; a daughter, Ellen and Bill Pugh of Eureka Springs, Ark.; a brother, Vincent Henry of Decorah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dr. Charles R. Henry was preceded in death by an infant son, Raphael Joseph, in 1950; his wife, Bonnie, in 1979; his parents; five brothers, John, Paul, Herbert, Orvine and Gerald; and a sister, Mary Moth.

Transcribed by an IA GenWeb Volunteer from obituaries found in the Howard-Winneshiek Genealogy Society Library, Cresco, Iowa.