Rochelle

We give thanks for a life well lived and for the peaceful passing of a trustworthy and faithful man.  John Carlton Henze, 88, passed from this life to the next on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.  He enjoyed a full and fruitful life alongside his wife, Joanna, for 67 years of marriage.
John was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and faithful servant of our Lord, who spent his life providing for others, especially with his gifts of honesty, integrity, and fortitude.  After a career in pharmaceutical sales, he enjoyed retirement in the "little house on the prairie", while woodworking in the workshop and learning new skills, like playing the piano.

A stubborn and matter of fact man at times, he viewed life as a journey requiring great perseverance, and often said, "It's a struggle from the cradle to the grave".  He beautifully embraced the struggles of life, and faced them head on moving forward one day at a time. Like Christ embraced the cross, John continued to faithfully move forward in life regardless of the circumstance. The best example of this was his loving and tender care of his wife in her last days, as he held her hand saying, "I took an oath 67 years ago to love and protect until death do us part and that is exactly what I intend to do."

Some of John's most joyful times were playing his clarinet.  He was a member of the Green Bay Packer and Rochelle Community Band, and looked for opportunities to sit in and jam with any Dixieland or jazz band.  Every camping trip campfire was accompanied by the beautiful sound of his version of "Just A Closer Walk with Thee."

Dad had several hobbies, and enjoyed sharing his passions with family, especially in personal one-on-one ways.  He taught his children to snow ski, and took advantage of opportunities to grab a pole and head to the fishing hole for a grandchild's first catch.  He hunted with his friends, golfed with his sons and cooked and crafted wood with his daughters.  He constructed a model train set for his grandchildren to play, and would willingly give rides on the John Deere tractor in the backyard.  "Grandpa Train" was always present for his children and grandchildren when it mattered most.

John left behind a legacy of life including six children: the late Debbie (Ron) Wisser, Cathy (Jeff) Warren, Linda (Fred) Sadaghyani, Mark (Rebecca) Henze, Diane (Jon) Lineback, and David (Laura) Henze.  John was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; John was the oldest sibling, to his only sister, Jane (Bob) Ruf; nephews: Greg and Steve, and niece, Jennifer.

The visitation will be from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M., Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Unger-Homer Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 16, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle.  Memorials may be made in John's memory to a charity of the donor's choice.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.