"Rest in Peace my friend. Great memories from growing up in the east end, walking to and from Lutton School, pinning baseball cards to our bike wheels, little league, building sets for high school plays, fast-pitch softball, your wedding and all the stories, the ones we could share and the ones we couldn't. There are friends, good friends and life-long friends. You were definitely high on the list in the last category. Til we meet on the other side, John Wade"
In loving memory of
Richard Waldo Henson
September 6, 1950 - July 21, 2017
Richard Waldo Henson, age 66 of North English, died at his home on Friday, July 21, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. Pastor Luke Caster will officiate. Visitation will be on Monday, July 24th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military rites will be in the North English Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the English Valleys Veterans Memorial in North English.
Richard Waldo Henson was born on September 6, 1950, in Sigourney, Iowa, the son of Waldo B. and Minnie M Batterson Henson. He moved with his parents and sister from Hayesville to North English where he graduated from English Valleys High School in 1968. Dick entered the workforce working at the Landmark Truck Stop until being drafted into the Army in January 1970. He was deployed to Vietnam, where he was assigned to the First Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Wolfhound Division. Dick was united in marriage to Ruth A. Grimm on March 18, 1972 at the Community Church, rural Deep River. They made their home in North English. Dick worked 34 years for the Iowa County Secondary Road Department until his retirement in 2008. He was currently serving in his fifth term as Mayor of North English. Dick had served many years on the city council, as a board member at Knoll Ridge Country Club, the CITA Fire Board, and Emergency 911 Board. He was a 38 year member of the North English Fire Department and was a weather spotter; Dick was an Iowa County Veterans Affairs board member, and a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Wolfhounds Association and served as their secretary. He and Ruth attended most of their reunions across the country. Dick was also a long-time member and officer in the KIOWA and Iowa Ducks Unlimited Organizations.
He is survived by his wife Ruth of North English; three daughters: Tami (Wendell) Marsh of North English; Tara (Steve) Heyne of North English; Trisha (Dan) Schwarzkopf of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren: Hannah & Elijah Marsh and Olivia and Gage Heyne. Also surviving is his mother-in-law Yvonne Grimm of Williamsburg, IA; brothers-in-law: Ross Knipfer of North English, IA; Kenny (Sheryl) Grimm of Cantril, IA; Stanley (Debbie) Grimm of Newton, IA; Billie (Kathie) Grimm of Wayland, IA; Mo (Karla) Grimm of Gilbert, AZ; sisters-in-law: Jeannie (David) Fetzer of Williamsburg, IA; Rebecca (Don) Hadenfeldt of Williamsburg, IA; Beth (Keith) Levan of St. Ansgar, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Carol Knipfer.
Tributes
"RIP Wolfhound - No Fear on Earth! May all those who love you be comforted by their memories, and find peace in the love they share with you. G Bond, wife of Sgt. Burdette A Bond, 2/27, 25th Inf. Div., NW MO."
"Prayers and hugs from South Carolina. Bryan and Diana Henderson"
"A big thank you to Waldo, for all of your services, US Army,Vietnam Vet, Iowa County Road Dept, North English Fire Dept, City of North English, Mayor, Husband, Father, Grand Father, and the list goes on and on. You have made this a better place to call home."
"I always enjoyed time spent with Waldo. His infectious laugh and warm and caring personality instantly put you at ease. The first time I played golf with Waldo, I almost gave up the game. I had never witnessed anyone hit a tee shot like he did. It was truly amazing. He wasn't afraid to give you grief and expected no less in return. Waldo, epitomized everything good about life in small town Iowa. God's Speed, Waldo. Larion Yoder"
"I have served with Waldo for over 38 years on the North English Fire Dept and i can tell you that no matter if you working a fire or fund raiser you could count on him. Just recently we had a major fire on main street we lifted him up on one of our main pumpers where he ran the controls all night. We all loved to give him a hard time and he loved giving it right back. All the guys at the fire dept will sure miss him. Dan Strohman "