"I lived one half mile from the Vostrals farm in Ritzville and Henry was my first baby sitting job, even though I was only 9. I used to walk through the field to go visit Martha before Henry was born and was looking forward to her new baby. My sister Emogene and I were impressed to learn of Henry's many accomplisments. It's not surprising he became such a weed expert, getting his start on a farm in Ritzville. The family has a wonderful life to celebrate. -- Doris, Redmond, WA."
In loving memory of
Henry J. Ph.D.
May 10, 2014
Henry Vostral Ph.D., age 78, of 207 Pell Circle, Urbana, Illinois, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 3:45 am in the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois.
Henry was born November 22, 1935 in Ritzville, Washington, the son of Henry John and Martha F. Miessner Vostral. On August 21, 1964 he married Lois J. Matter in Hooker, OK. He had met Lois while working on his Doctorate degree in Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin. She survives.
Henry could identify every weed in the United States and had taught college level classes on the subject of Agronomy. His achievements have been many, his life has revolved around his focus and intellect, of which he was very proud. He was Valedictorian of Ritzville High School's class of 1954, and graduated with Highest Honors from Washington State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree. While there, he was president of his fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. After serving in the U.S. Army as a Laboratory Technician, SP5, stationed in both California and Germany, he returned to school. In 1964 he received his Master's of Science in Agronomy, in 1965 he received his Ph.D. in Agronomy, and in 1966 completed his Post Doctoral Fellowship in Weed Control, all at the University of Wisconsin.
Henry worked for the Upjohn Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1966-1995. He worked there as a fieldman in Herbicide Research rising to a manager in Regulatory Affairs, and to Director of Safety and Environmental Practices. In his first eleven years in the herbicide research, he obtained EPA registration for "Collego", the first fungal agent used as a field crop herbicide. His last eighteen years were in compliance with environmental regulations, worker safety and health issues. He had counseled and advised executive management regarding potential impacts of pending government regulations. Another of his accomplishments was, President of the Comstock Schools Foundation.
Henry had many hobbies such as; woodworking, photography and supporting all of the University of Michigan sports. He liked many other things including beer, chocolate, working on taxes and card games.
Henry had twenty-three articles published and four patents. He especially enjoyed his daughters' accomplishments in their education.
Survivors in addition to his wife are; 3 daughters, Sharra (Ray) Fouché of Carmel, IN, Mara (Scott) Baker of Edmonds, WA, and Chandra (Andrew) Schauer of Bothell, WA, a grandson, Eads Fouché of Carmel, IN, 2 granddaughters, Daphne and Niobe Schauer of Bothell, WA, cousins, Melvin "Corky" Kiehn, Dale Anderson, Tony Vostral, all of Ritzville, WA, and several other cousins.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents.
Services: The family will have a private service in Colorado to honor Henry's life and to scatter his ashes at one of his favorite vistas in the mountains.
Memorials: Ritzville High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 312, Ritzville, WA 99169
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Lois, Sharra and Family, we are so sorry about the passing of Hank. Hank was very influential early in my career and a great role model for me in plant science/agriculture. I learned from him that one could do great science in industry. Hank and my Dad Joe are no doubt already playing ping pong up there in heaven! The good news is they can play as many matches as they want. The bad news is we will have to wait our turn to cheer them on and watch them play. Love to you all. Molly and Steven Cline"
"Lois and family, I am sorry for your loss. I did not know Henry, but I now realize he was a special man and influenced many people in his life. His knowledge of weeds and herbicides was huge. Spreading his ashes in Colorado, where he spent many happy days, will become a cherished memory,"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The relationship I had with you and Henry was very special. May you find peace and celebrate the life of Henry."
"Lois, My thoughts and prayers go out to you.on the loss of Henry. The relationship I had with you and Henry was very special. May you and your family have peace and celebrate the life of Henry."
"Lois, you are in our thoughts. We will always remember Henry in many ways - coworker, friend, kind and leveling influence. But most memorable is Henry in khaki at Gunnersons where we spent so many fun autumns unsuccessfully chasing birds while enjoying each other's company. The last years have been hard but we hope you have many wonderful memories to comfort you."
"Although we saw Henry in other settings and enjoyed him and his smile in all of them, the mental picture of him in khaki hunting gear stands out as one of the most memorable. Our trips to Gunnersons each fall were special times and so much better for Henry's incisive comments and humor. Our thoughts are with you Lois."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Love to all of you."
"Lois, I was certainly sorry when I received news regarding Henry. I remember him fondly as great neighbor and a wonderful gentleman with a rather subtle sense of humor. My heart goes out to you and to your family."
"Dear Lois and family, We were so sorry to hear that Hank has passed away,,there are so many wonderful memories of all the fun times we spent with you all, in Madison, Wisconsin and even here in North Dakota. Our prayers will be with you as you celebrate his life in your beautiful home in Colorado."
"Just saw the news about Henry's passing on Saturday. Ed and I send our condolences to Lois and the rest of Henry's family. We have so many wonderful memories of Henry as our neighbor in Hunters' Place condo's here in Kalamazoo, MI. Thinking of you."
"Dear Lois: Our thoughts are with you. Please accept our condolence. I have taken the liberty to pass on your e/mail to the many people who respected and were inspired by Henry. Andrea and Gabe."
"Lois, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Henry is finally at peace and in a better place. Hope to see you in Cuchara in a few weeks."
"You and your family have my deepest sympathies during this loss. I will always remember Henry for his intellect and the conversations we had. Take the time to enjoy each other while you are here and again, my heart and prayers go out to each of you. Madeline"
"So sad to hear of Hank's passing. I have so many fond memories of fun times spent with Lois and Hank - in Madison, in Kalamazoo, and out here in Watford City. He was a great man, and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to you all! Debbie Ray Larsen, Watford City, ND"
"I remember visiting your home and seeing you at family events. We are so very sad to learn if your passing; but I'm sure that The Lord, our family & friends are all awaiting open arms! With Love & Prayers Michelle & Michael Levick"
"Lois, and daughters, I am so sorry for all of you. The obituary is beautifully written and a fitting tribute to a fine man. My heart is with all of you."
"Rest in peace Henry!"
"My deepest sympathy on the loss of such a lovely gentleman. He will be missed by many."