Henry Degryse of Langenburg, SK passed away on May 23, 2012, at St. Anthony's Hospital in Esterhazy, SK, at the age of 92 years. Henry was born at Bredenbury, SK, on August 13, 1919, the fifth child of Cyril Degryse and Rose Degryse (nee Burton) The family moved to Urbana, Illinois, and lived there until 1930, when both parents died. Henry and his three brothers returned to Langenburg, and lived with aunts and uncles until they were able to join the workforce. Henry worked for area farmers until May of 1941, when he enlisted in the army. He was in the army from May 1941 to January 1946, and served with the 15th Field Regiment, 110th Battery in Canada, England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. After his discharge, Henry worked as a mechanic, as a helper in local grain elevators, and as caretaker of the Langenburg Post Office. Henry married Anita Ruebke on October 8, 1954. Their daughter Catherine was born April 6, 1957. In their retirement, Henry enjoyed gardening, puttering, and camping with family. Henry was predeceased by his parents Cyril and Rose Degryse, brother Dean in infancy, brothers Ernest, George, and Albert, sister-in-law Ann DeGryse, brothers- and sisters-in-law Adam and Elsbeth Lindenbach, Emil and Freda Schuhmacher. He is survived by his wife Anita, daughter Catherine, sister-in-law Pauline DeGryse, and nieces and nephews and their families. The funeral service was held May 26, 2012, from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, with Pastor Daphne Bender officiating. Interment followed in St. Paul's Cemetery. Pallbearers were Edwin Litzenberger, Allan Lindenbach, Shawn Bodnar, Jim Weinheimer, Arnold Van Caseele, and Don Swejda. Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service was in care of arrangements. A loving family man, Henry was greatly loved in return and will be missed so very much. As a husband and a father, no man could take your place. We are so thankful to have had you in our lives, Henky.
God looked around His garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He saw the road was getting rough
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
- Anon
