Vernon Henrichs

Vernon Lester Henrichs of Caro, MI passed away at Tendercare Cass City on July 30, 2009, at age 91, he had been a resident of Tuscola County since June of 1952. Mr. Henrichs was born, near Nassau, Minnesota, on December 14, 1917, the eighth of ten children, to Reinhold J. and Amanda (Bartmann) Henrichs. Later the family moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin, where he grew up. He received a BS from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, and was an ordained minister and school teacher. On August 29, 1941, he and the former Mae Rockman eloped to Decorah, Iowa, where they were married at the Methodist Church; she survives. In May 1943 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during WWII, being honorably discharged in late 1945 at the rank of corporal. While in the Army he was sent to Burford, England where he was part of the 61st General Hospital AUS. Mr. Henrichs taught speech, English and drama at Reese High School from 1961 to 1971; before that he taught school in Wisconsin and Alabama and was a pastor at churches in both of those states. He had been a representative for Meredith Publishing Company and served as a guest minister at several churches in the Caro area. He and Mae were members of the Caro Methodist Church for many years, and prior to that were members of the Wahjamega Country Church. He had been a member of the local rock club, and genealogy club. He and Mae were charter members of the Tuscola Co. Association for Retarded Children. Vernon enjoyed gardening, especially roses and cucumbers, as well as lapidary, and oil painting. Mr. Henrichs was a Past Commander of the Reese American Legion Post # 139 and District 7, and at the state level, from 1977-78 was the State of Michigan Department Commander. He also served as a National Committeeman and later served for many years as Chairman of the State Legislative Committee and was instrumental in getting enacted numerous benefits for all Michigan veterans. He also was a member of Caro Masonic Temple, Mt. Mariah Lodge 226. Besides, Mae, his wife of nearly 68 years, he is survived by his sons, Joel of Caro, and Steven of Glendale, AZ, his daughter, Stella (James) Switala of Ypsilanti, MI, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, one brother-in-law, four sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Vernon Jerrid, of Caro, eight siblings and 16 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A memorial service will be held on August 13, 2009 at the Caro United Methodist Church, 670 Gilford Road, with Pastor Jerome Smith, visitation will be at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Private inurnment will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, MI. The family would like to thank the staff of Tendercare Cass City for all the care and friendship they have given to Vernon and Mae over the last three years.