Announcement of Death
Oakland, IA community member Fred G. Henry passed away October 18, 2024, aged 88, at Primrose Retirement Community in Council Bluffs, IA.
Biography
Born January 20, 1936 Fred lived a full, productive life.He grew up on the family farm near Oakland with his parents, John Christopher and Velma Grace (Miller) Henry. Fred started school at the one-room schoolhouse in Hancock, Iowa, and continued in the Oakland district where he married Joyce Maureen Kelsay. Later, he attended Iowa State University in Ames to further his education and pursue career goals.
In the year 1956, Fred and Joyce founded the Henry Well Company, during an era when droughts were rampant to offer essential water services to Iowa, Eastern Nebraska, and Northern Missouri.
Loved Ones
Surviving him are his wife of 60 years, Joyce; his parents, John and Velma Henry; his sister, Helen Sue, and her husband, Roy Williams; his in-laws, Curtis, Mildred, and Nina Kelsay; his sister-in-law, Helen, and her husband, Jerry Scholtes; and brother-in-law Curt Kelsey. Many happy memories exist with his remaining family.
Hobbies
Fred and Joyce loved traveling together as often as possible in their motorhome in the United States and Mexico. The Heritage farm of his family was a favorite gathering place for horse groups hosted by Fred. His life was centered around adventure and outdoors-there was hardly a difference between the roads and the farms of Iowa.
Memorial Services
Oct. 23, 2024: Oakland United Methodist Church, Oakland, IA-10:30 am funeral service. Visitation is scheduled for October 22, 2024, 5:00 to 7:30 pm at the same location. Fred will be buried in Oaklawn Cemetery, Oakland, Iowa, Rieken Vieth Funeral Home has handled all arrangements.
Closing Thoughts
A man who lived for family and community, Fred left a true legacy, touching hearts as he channeled faith, dedication, and love into all he did. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed and cherished through the memories and love that he shared with the family and friends.
