Sylvan I. Henry

(1914-2004)

Member #85

Rock River Thresheree Class of 1972

JANESVILLE -- Sylvan I. Henry, age 89, of 1027 Harding St., passed away peacefully on April 12, 2004. He was born in West Brooklyn, IL, on July 19, 1914, the son of Julius and Bertha (Henry) Henry. He married Mary C. Berner on April 11, 1941, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Janesville. She preceded him in death on August 11, 1997. Sylvan was a farmer in LaPrairie Township for many years until retiring in Janesville in 1962. He then began a second career as a shipping clerk with Norwood Mills until their closing. He enjoyed restoring antique cars and later small gas engines. Sylvan also was an avid photographer. He was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, served in the Civilian Conservation Corp., and was a longtime member of the Rock River Thresheree Association and the Crosley Club.

He is survived by his 2 children, Charles "Chuck" Henry of Janesville and Kathleen (Bill) Glass of Boynton Beach, FL; 8 grandchildren: Stephen, Joseph (Mary), David (Theresa), Jennifer (Mike) Rose, James, Joseph (Sue), Christine and John (Courtney) Endicott; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mildred Eich and Marie Ertmer; special friends: Gerald Johnson, Guy Bender and Chris Finnane; and her 2 daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 3 brothers: Leonard, Urban and Raymond; grandson Ryan Henry; and daughter-in-law, Pamela Henry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 16, 2004, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, with Fr. Mike Doro officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Schneider Apfel Schneider & Schneider Funeral Home, where a rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m. For online obituary and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com

A limb has fallen from our family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul at rest, remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't just stare at the wall. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes we're together again.

[Source: The Janesville Gazette, Tuesday, April 13, 2004]