"God is love" accompanied by a little dove. This is the tattoo Mary Ann Henry got on her foot at 75 years young. Her loving husband of 64 years, Jerry, probably doesn't want to start her obituary talking about that damn tattoo but it truly does speak to the wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she was. Devoted, loving, and spirited. We should also begin by taking a moment to remember how she always greeted us. Did you think you were going to make it past the first paragraph without a hug and a kiss on the lips? Get back here!

Mary was born May 9th, 1937 to John and Hazel Pasternak. She grew up and went to school in Armstrong Creek, WI. After high school, she moved to the Milwaukee area with her sister Irene. That's where she spotted a handsome young man by the name of Gerald "Jerry" Henry and married him not long after on November 26th, 1955 at St. Stanislaus Kostka in Armstrong Creek.

They started their life together in the Milwaukee area and were blessed with 4 children. They eventually came back to Armstrong Creek to build a home and raise their family. Mary was the best mom and cook in the world. She instilled faith in her children, has been the family's pillar of strength, and totally dedicated her whole life to them.

Mary loved her family so much that she and Jerry bought a beautiful home in Florida later in life and officially became snowbirds just to get away from them most of the year. Kidding of course. Her family was incredibly precious to her. She loved when everyone was together but was also very grateful if you simply called to talk or sent her a text. You could always count on her to tell you she loved you, she was proud of you, or give you a piece of her mind if you needed it.

While she liked playing cards or planning a stop at Captain Hiram's when you visited her in Florida, Mary started her day with Jesus. Enjoying her family photos, flowers, and the birds that stopped by as she prayed for all of us and reflected on the message from her daily devotional. Her favorite bible verse was 1 Corinthians 2:9, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." Her favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace" and she loved listening to gospel music on her stereo. Imagine all the toe-tapping she's doing up there now.

Mary spent the last few weeks in the ICU. As you can imagine, it was extremely difficult for her and our family to not be allowed to be there while she tried to fight the virus inside her. That changed on Sunday night when Jason, Hillary, and Melinda were able to comfort her until Mark, Nancy, and Susan could arrive to be with her in her final moments. July 19th, 2020, at St. Mary's Hospital in Green Bay, WI, the chaplain sang "Under His Wings," as she was called home at the age of 83.

Mary's love will live on in the hearts of her husband, Jerry; three children, Susan (Tim) Kuklinski, John Henry, Nancy (Mark) Garrelts; nine grandchildren, Lisa Alberg, Amanda Cornell, Jonathan Engel, Melinda (Mark) Zeits, Gerald Kuklinski, Jason (Hillary) Henry, Rebecca Henry, Sarah (Jake) Rowe, Jacob Garrelts; and seven great-grandchildren, Devon, Gia, Haven, Allie, Morgan, Caleb, and Iris. Other surviving family members include her sister, Irene Talmont; sisters-in-law, Nancy (John) Pasternak, Sally (Dennis) Henry, Cathy (Tom) Henry, and Gloria (Bob) Henry.

Mary has been reunited in Heaven with her parents; daughter, Lynn; siblings, Dorothy (Kasmir) Kobylarz, John Pasternak; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob Henry, Tom Henry, Dennis Henry, Daniel Henry, Betty (Bill) Kiehnau, Shirley (Don) Sitte, and Jane (Donald) Tanck.

We are all very fortunate to have made the memories we did with her. There is a huge hole in our hearts, and she will be greatly missed at weddings this fall as we add two members to our family, Sarah Walstrom and Christopher Szebeni. She will be with us in spirit and watch over us as she has for many years. Because her faith in God was so strong, it makes her passing a little bit easier. We know that she is so happy to be at home with Jesus.

Our family would like to thank the doctors and especially the nurses at Dickinson County Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital for their care. Thank you to family and friends for lifting Mary up in your prayers. Of course, we should end with a hug and a kiss on the lips because that's how she really would have wanted to say goodbye to everyone.

A service will be held at a later date. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com or cards may be sent to Blaney Funeral Home to the attention of Mary Henry's family and they will be forwarded on.

Mary attended the Maranatha Assembly of God Church in Kingsford, MI and Riverside Church in Sebastian, FL. Sunday worship was the foundation of her week. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these houses of God.

https://kingsfordag.generush.org/

http://www.riversideaog.com/give