Fred G. Henry, the son of John Christopher and Velma Grace (Miller) Henry, born on January 20, 1936, in Oakland, Iowa, was a beloved member of the Oakland community. Fred died on October 18, 2024, at the Primrose Retirement Community in Council Bluffs, IA, at 88 years, 8 months, and 29 days.
Funeral services will be held on October 23, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Oakland United Methodist Church in Oakland, IA. A visitation will occur on October 22, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 7:30 PM at the Oakland United Methodist Church. The interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery at Oakland, Iowa. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements.
He spent his early years on a family farm near Oakland, rich in family history. Fred attended a one-room schoolhouse in Hancock, Iowa, and later continued his education in Oakland, where he met his future wife, Joyce Maureen Kelsay. After graduating high school, Fred pursued further education at Iowa State in Ames.
Fred and Joyce married on June 17, 1956, at the United Methodist Church in Oakland. Together, they embarked on a journey of love and partnership in life and business. Fred co-founded the Henry Well Company with his father during a severe drought in 1956, a venture that would grow to serve communities across Iowa, Eastern Nebraska, and Northern Missouri.
Fred was a man of deep faith. He dedicated his Sundays to worship at the United Methodist Church, where he actively participated in various committees. His love for his family was paramount, and he cherished every moment spent with them, whether at family celebrations or cheering on his children and grandchildren at their events.
Fred and Joyce shared a passion for travel, exploring the United States and Mexico in their motorhome. Fred’s fearless spirit behind the wheel led them through many adventures, creating cherished memories and stories to share. He also profoundly loved farming and was very proud of the family’s Heritage farm.
Fred is preceded in death by his wife Joyce of 60 years, his parents John and Thelma Henry, his sister Helen Sue and her husband Roy Williams, his wife’s parents Curtis, Mildred, and Nina Kelsey, her sister Helen and her husband Jerry Scholtes, and her brother Curt Kelsey.
His children survive Fred: Debbie Rollins and husband Paul of Oakland, IA; Fred S. Henry and wife Gayla of Oakland, IA; John Henry and wife Peggy of Plattsmouth, NE; Susie Hemphill and husband Dan of Gretna, NE. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, with one more, ‘Baby Nugget,’ expected in the spring of 2025. His sisters-in-law Fern Kelsey, Marilyn and husband Mike Hebing, brothers-in-law Delbert Kelsey and wife Pauline, Craig Kelsey and wife Rosie; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Fred’s legacy of love and dedication to his family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
