"To: Ingrid & family. I was just thumbing through the obituaries in Algona and ran across Tom's. I would like to extend my sympathies to you and the family. I also didn't realize you had also lost your son, Simon. I had heard about Cinnamon. Triple blessings to you and your family. I am in such shock. Are you holding up okay? You're in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you. "
In loving memory of
Thomas D. Henry
November 10, 1944 - November 11, 2020
A funeral Mass for Tom Henry, 76, of Algona, will be private for the family on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 10:30 AM at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona with Father Edward Girres presiding. Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Five Saints Catholic Community YouTube page www.youtube.com/user/stceceliaalgona. Private family graveside services will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Algona. No public visitation will be held. A public celebration of life will be held at a later time and will be again publicized.
Thomas Dean Henry was born November 10, 1944, in Algona, son of Simon and Matilda (Steil) Henry. He was united in marriage to Marija Ingrid Teresko on February 13, 1965, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Ingrid was the love of his life! Together through their love, Tom and Ingrid raised six children. The four oldest were daughters. Tina, Ginger, Cinnamon and Amber were always referred to as the Henry Girls. The two youngest were sons. Simon and Joseph named after Tom's father and Tom's Uncle. His family was his pride and joy! Tom had a great work ethic and although he worked many hours while his children were growing up and even as they were adults, he was always a phone call away! One thing that will be missed by his family is his hugs. He loved his hugs!
There is a great saying and it is So God Made a Farmer....... When God decided to make a farmer, he truly had Tom in mind for this very important position. Tom was a genuine caretaker of his land and his animals. Over the years he built a beautiful cow herd. His favorite time of year was when the new baby calves would be born. He stayed up many nights waiting and watching his beloved cows bring new life to the farm. He shared this love for his animals with his family.
In his younger years Tom showed cattle. He took his love for showing cattle and turned it into a business by raising and selling show calves. He also shared the love of the showring with his family. A very important motto was a family that shows together, grows together. All of his children were involved in 4-H and showed cattle. His grandchildren would also go on to show cattle. This was something that was so important to him. Let it be known, that he never missed a cattle show at the Kossuth County Fair!
Tom was a member of the Kossuth County Fair Board for many years. He served as President for a number of those years and he took this job so seriously. His love for the fair was evident through everything he did as a member of the Fair Board. His heart was in it due to his strong belief in the family farm and 4-H. Everything he did was for the young people. Not only for his own children and grandchildren but for any young person that participated in the fair. He was on the fair board for all the right reasons and he left a piece of his heart at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds when his days as a Fair Board member came to an end.
Tom was a 4-H leader and was the 4-H basketball coach when his kids were in 4-H. This role was important to him as he had a great love for the game of basketball! His love for the game is what made him a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan. He also loved the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. Not only did he love basketball but he loved baseball as well and was a LA Dodger fan.
Although many people had a great impact on Tom, one individual must be mentioned. That would be his Cardiologist Dr. Samuel J. Congello. He not only was Tom's Cardiologist, he was family. He treated Tom with great kindness and respect and Dr. Congello and the care he gave, kept Tom's heart going for many years. He was instrumental in the many years his family was able to cherish Tom.
Although many family and friends are left saddened by his death, his family knows that on November 11, 2020 God decided it was time for him to retire from his job as a farmer. God saw he was tired and said it is now time for you to rest. Even though his famous hat he wore everywhere has been hung up for the last time, he has left behind a legacy of love. Yep.......this is Tom.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Ingrid Henry of Algona; four children, Tina (Jason) Henry-Thill of Humboldt, Cinnamon
(Channon) Mawdsley of Algona, Amber (David) Garman of Algona and Joe (Maria) Henry of Burt; a daughter-in-law, Angela Henry of Burt; ten grandchildren, Paige Thill, Ben and Calli Mawdsley, Bryce, Wyatt, and Mya Garman, Tommy and Waylynn Henry and Olivia and Aliyah Henry. He is also survived by a sister Ardith Knecht of West Bend; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Ginger Henry and Simon Henry; two brothers, Jack and Bud Henry; and a nephew, Bill Knecht.
Tributes
"To Amber and family, your father sounds like a terrific guy. So sorry for your loss!"
"To all the Henry family, you have my deepest sympathy and condolences. To Tina and Jason, I am especially thinking of you. Greg Lickteig "
"Ingrid and family, we are very sorry to hear of your loss of your loving husband, father, and grandfather, Tom. We are sending our thoughts and prayers. Even though time has passed since last seeing Tom, I have great memories of visiting with him at Henry Reunions. His smile was always so welcoming. May he rest in peace. With sympathy, Roger and Mary Ryan Kopacek"
"Our Sympathy to you and your family Ingrid. The loss of Tom is very Sad. Sending prayers of strength and courage for you and may you all find peace in the days ahead. Larry & Carol Hudson"
"I am saddened to hear of Tom?s passing. While I was growing up, Tom was always more than willing to allow me to tag along with him and Simon as they attended various cattle sales and steer shows throughout the Midwest. His hospitality will never be forgotten by me. Tom, thank you for always taking the time to mentor a young boy that was interested in the cattle business. Heaven has gained a legendary cattleman "
"Henry family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. May many fond memories and lots of love help to ease your sorrow."
"They are right one of the best he went above and beyond! We the Anderson?s always enjoyed visiting with Tom! We will miss you at the Fair! The picture you chose was the perfect one of how we remember our friend Tom! "
"One of the Best Gone to Soon.Loved The Kossuth County Fair and the Speedway.R.I.P. Thomas !!!! Steve Krapp."
"Dear Henry Family, I am so sorry for your loss! I love you all! Prayers!!"
"I am so sorry to hear this. Tom was always a very friendly neighbor and I always looked forward to hearing his latest stories during our occasional conversations in passing. He will always be missed. "
"Oh Ingrid I am so sorry for your loss,please know you are in my thoughts and prayers "
"Ingrid, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Barbara Dugan Bauer"
"So sorry to hear of Tom\'s passing. May all of your memories help you through this sad and difficult time. "
"Ingrid, sending sympathy and love to you and your family. We have so many memories to cherish. Tom will be missed by many as he was so friendly and talked to everyone. Hugs to you and your family. God Bless. "
"Ingrid, our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. It is hard to express our feelings. So many wonderful and cherished memories. We offer you our prayers and love. "
"Ingrid, Joe and the rest of your family. I can\'t imagine the feelings of grief you are experiencing once again. I bet Arnie was there to welcome him home. I know there are a lot of prayers being lifted up for you all. God bless you and may you feel the comfort of his love. Shelly and Claude Bilsborough Arnie Meyer\'s sister, Shelly."
"Dear Ingrid and all of the Henry Family, our deepest sympathy. May the sweet memories of Tom always lighten your heavy hearts. Tom was very special man, always so friendly, kind and so much fun! I have the greatest memories of Tom, especially when I would come home during the last forty years at fair time. We would reminisce of years past, including all those cattle shows. We\'d rehash the FUN & GREAT time my Dad had when invited to attend out of state shows with the Henry\'s. Sending much love to all of you. JeanAnn Dodds Carrigan "
"My sincere sympathies and prayers for comfort and peace in the beautiful memories of your dad during this difficult time. "
"Ingrid & Families,You have my deepest sympathy. I have many memories of Tom and the Henry Family in my life. Tom will be missed. Kurt King"
"On behalf of the entire Penton family, we would like to express our deep sorrow over Tom?s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"We are so sorry to hear about Tom. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. "
"my heartfelt prayers to the Henry families on your loss-cherish the memories of Tom and know he\'ll be watching you all from heaven above. R.I.P. Tom. With Peace, Love and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank- Park Rapids, Mn.[formerly of Algona, Iowa]."
"Ingid and all families.Im so very very sorry to hear of toms passing.He was a kind and friendly gentleman and I enjoyed every time I seen Tom and having a wonderful conversation each time. He will definately be missed.U all have my thoughts and prayers and sympathy as time goes on. An Angel above will look down on all of u and guide u in every way possible."
"Joe sympathy to you and your family, prayers and hugs to all. Harris and Betty. "
"Joe and family: we were saddened to hear of your dad\'s passing; please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time - Vern and Kris Laubenthal"
"Please accept our deepest sympathy along with wishes for comfort and peace during this most difficult time. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers."
"Ingrid and families . so sorry to hear of Tom\'s passing. He will be truly missed . Your family now has another angel looking over all of you. Jim & Janice Schumacher"