Clark G. Henry

Clark Gilbert Henry passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at home in the loving arms of his wife at the age of 69. He felt blessed with a long goodbye of 100 days.

Clark was born in Neenah, WI, graduated from Winneconne High School and then served with pride in the United States Navy. He married the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) Caudill 47 years ago. They had three children, William Henry (Holly) of Beaver Dam, Charles Henry (Brandi) of Fitchburg, and Michelle Wright (Ron) of Appleton. He taught them to love and support one another unconditionally; to be kind, responsible, and hard-working; to love what you do; to be courageous and to just be thankful. He took extreme pride in his six grandchildren Kevin, Maximillion, Sydney, Spencer, William, and Sophia for whom he would do anything. He is survived by these loved ones and his mother Beulah Elaine Henry, his siblings Alice Fayard, Scott Henry (Kathy), Leah Rogers (Mick) and Mark Henry (Teri), and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and “out-laws”. Clark is preceded in death by his father William Clark Henry, his brother Jay Henry and his niece Stacey Messerschmidt.

Clark had a life-long love affair with candy which he stashed everywhere, his mother’s graham cracker torte and brownies, pie, ice cream, Legion steak nights, and fish fries. In his pockets you would find candy wrappers, golf tees and his trusty red Swiss Army knife. He enjoyed playing golf, the whole course, hazards and all, and he always brought along a friend, family member or befriended a stranger at the course. Clark rarely missed a night of pitching horseshoes with his Brandy Lake buddies. He dazzled on the dance floor, especially while square dancing with Betty.

He excelled at outsmarting the neighborhood deer and perpetually tinkering in his garage. He loved to sit in his oversized recliner watching his oversized T.V. watching the latest Hallmark Channel movie, cop shows, car restoration shows and anything on The History Channel at max volume. Upon visiting his children’s homes, Clark never left without leaving his mark with a picture hung, a room painted or other odd job complete, even if they hadn’t wanted him to.

As a former Fire Safety Sales and Serviceman for over 30 years, Clark ensured everyone had a proper fire extinguisher and the emergency exits were not blocked. He was a proud member of the Honor Guard with American Legion Post 89 Minocqua, WI. He lived his faith through his work with the Father Dodge Knights of Columbus Counsel #7827 in Woodruff, WI and lived his life in God’s image. He was especially proud of his contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project. Clark served as a Woodruff Town Supervisor for 16 years and with his wife, Betty, contributed to community projects like the hospice garden, community garden, and the One Penny Parade. He exercised his passion for trains through his dedicated work in the establishment of and participation in the Clipper City Model Railroad Club in Manitowoc, WI and the Northwoods Model Train Club in Woodruff, WI and by always having a train under his Christmas tree. Speaking of Christmas, Clark was known in both Manitowoc and Woodruff for his amazing Christmas light displays on his home.

He took great pride in his work and helping others. He built relationships easily and knew people everywhere he went and we mean EVERYWHERE. Clark and Betty have always been grateful for their many special friends. Clark’s special smile, caring heart, warm embrace, his gift of story-telling and his wacky sense of humor touched many lives. He left the world with no regrets which is what he wants for all of us when our time comes.

Family and friends may join in a celebration of Clark’s life at Holy Family Catholic Church, 8950 County J, Woodruff, WI 54568 on Friday, October 23, 2015. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon at the church. The burial will follow at Watersmeet Cemetery in Watersmeet, MI.

A full obituary can be found online at www.nimsgernfuneral.com where condolences for the family may be offered. The family will establish several memorials in Clark’s name for donations in lieu of flowers.