Alice J. Henry, 96, Owatonna
Alice J. Henry, 96, lifelong resident of Owatonna, entered her heavenly home on Feb. 4, 2015, at the Medford Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, February 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna with Rev. John Sauer presiding.
Alice entered this world on June 18, 1918, in Somerset Township, rural Steele County, the daughter of William and Mary (Seykora) Hartle. Alice attended District 25 school in Somerset Township, and she graduated from Owatonna High School in 1936.
Following graduation she was employed with the Kelly Company. In 1938 Alice attended Comptometer School in Davenport, Iowa, and later, was employed by the John Deere Company at its factory in Moline, Illinois. In 1939 Alice returned to Owatonna and worked for Jostens.
Alice was united in marriage to Donald Henry on Feb. 3, 1940, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. With their eyes toward the future the young couple then purchased a farm in Somerset Township where they raised seven children.
Alice contributed to the work of the successful farm and worked as a partner with Don in many diverse areas. After raising their family, Alice worked at the Our Own Hardware Store in Owatonna for over eighteen years; she enjoyed meeting people, and this venue fulfilled that role perfectly. She was an active member and leader of the Pratt Progressive Club. Alice was a willing and loyal community leader.
Among her numerous facets of community involvement, Alice served as chairman of the Steele County Extension Board, charter member of St. Mary’s Guild, active 4-H leader, Women’s Catholic Order of Foresters and the Owatonna Hardanger Club. Her lifelong interests represent a portrait of diversity, and they include baking, sewing, gardening, playing cards—especially five-hundred, exhibiting various items at the Steele County Free Fair and day trips on numerous occasions to different casinos. She enjoyed keeping up to date on the latest flower and vegetable varieties and she loved her favorite celebrity tomatoes!
Alice is survived by five children: Charles D. Henry of Faribault, Nancy (Richard) Hoff, of Osakis, Minneesota, Barbara Kuchenbecker of New Hope, Minnesota, Peter (Debra) Henry of Stillwater, and David (Lori) Henry of Faribault. She is survived by fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Surviving sisters include Lucille Peterson and Lorraine Butler, both of Blooming Prairie, Ruth (Norman) Grunklee of Red Wing, and one brother, James (JoAnn) Hartle of Owatonna. Alice is preceded in death by her husband, Don; a daughter, Mary Alice; a son, Robert; and a sister, Rita. Alice loved her family deeply, and family members could count on a card from Alice being among the first to arrive at birthdays and Christmases.
Memorials are preferred to the Owatonna Hospice Beautification fund, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the American Cancer Society, or the Owatonna Foundation. To leave a message or to leave a condolence, go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.