Henry Willenborg, Jr.


1964 VFW Commander

Henry Willenborg enlisted in the Navy December 29, 1950, and took boot training at the U.S. Naval Training Center at San Diego, California. He served aboard the Patrol Frigate U.S.S. Burlington until August 1951 and then was transferred to the Battleship U.S.S. New Jersey, serving nineteen months in Korean waters. Henry was discharged at Norfolk, Virginia, October 28,1954, with the rate of Machinist Mate 3rd Class.

In Memory of Henry Willenborg

Visitation and Prayers Friday December 11, 2015, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Ohde Funeral Home, Manning
Prayer Service and Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM
Visitation Resumes at church at 9:00AM
Mass of Christian Burial Saturday December 12, 2015, 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church - Manning
Interment Saturday December 12, 2015 at Sacred Heart Cemetery

Henry Wendall, Jr., son of Henry and Ida (Uhlenkamp) Willenborg was born October 12, 1927, on a farm near Templeton, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Sacred Heart Church in Templeton. Henry attended school there and graduated from the 8th grade. He then helped operate the family farm.

In December of 1950 Henry enlisted in the United States Navy. He took basic training at the US Naval Training Center at San Diego, California. He served abroad the patrol frigate USS Burlington until August 1951 then was transferred to the battleship USS New Jersey serving 19 months in the Korean waters. Henry was discharged at Norfolk, Virginia on October 28, 1954, with the rank of Machinist Mate 3rd Class. Following his honorable discharge he returned home and began farming.

On June 14, 1958, Henry was united in marriage to Ardella Joens at the Sacred Heart Church in Manning. Two sons, Randy and Rick were born to this union. They farmed grain and livestock northwest of Manning until 1989 when the boys took over the operation. Henry enjoyed fishing with his friends, traveling out west every winter and going to his Navy reunions. He had a very special bond with his fellow servicemen. Henry enjoyed all of his grandchildren very much.

Henry was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Manning. He was a lifetime member of the VFW post #3517 where he was a Commander in 1964 and 1965 and participated with the ceremony team. He was also a member of the American Legion Emil Ewoldt post #22.

Henry's health began to decline in 2012 and he became a resident at the Regency Park Nursing Home in May of 2015. He died there Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at the age of 88 years, 1 month, and 27 days.

Preceding Henry in death are his parents; brother Marvin Willenborg; sister Jeanette Lampe; brothers-in-law Marvin Nabor, Herman Lampe, Gene Huelshorst and Ed Handlos and sister-in-law Maxine Handlos.

He is survived by his wife Ardella Willenborg of 57 years; sons Randy (Julie) Willenborg and Rick (Renee) Willenborg both of Manning; grandchildren Katarina, Kyle, Roxanne, Kendra, Marissa and Ericka Willenborg all of Manning; siblings Bernice Naber of Carroll, Tarsilla Lampe of Marathon, Wisconsin, Leo & Darlene Willenborg of Manning, Edna & Ray Tigges of Cedar Rapids, Elaine Huelshorst of Carroll, Norma Willenborg of Omaha; bother-in-law Marvin Lampe of Carroll and other relatives and friends.