Henry Fels

Henry Fels, age 99, of West Union passed away on Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Society of West Union.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Henry Ray Fels was born April 29, 1916 to Carl and Rosie (Wolf) Fels, on the family farm in Auburn.

He attended schools in Auburn and West Union.

On February 16, 1938, he was united in marriage to Virgie Pape at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Eldorado, where he had also been confirmed and baptized. To this union, three children were born.

Henry farmed for a few years on the home farm before moving to West Union where he drove a truck for Carpenter and Kraft. He also worked part-time for the Fayette County Assessor’s Office for many years.

Henry was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his wife enjoyed traveling in their motor home in the summer and spending winters in West Yellowstone, Montana, where they enjoyed snowmobiling. Henry was a certified snowmobile guide and led many large groups each year.

Henry’s greatest achievement was white water rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with his good friend, Harry Schroeder, and others. Another special thrill was accompanying Dr. Lopez on a trip to Cuba to visit Dr. Lopez’s mother.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Virgie, on October 9, 2003, his brother, Charles Fels, and sisters Irene (Howard) Russler and Vera (Carl) Wagner.

He is survived by his son Harlan (Diane) Fels, Bloomington, IL, and two daughters, Carolyn (Rob) Szemkus, West Union and Joyce Vanderzyl, Marion, Iowa. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and on sister, Delores (Jim) Friederich, West Union.

S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of the arrangements.   43u43