Garry DeWayne Henshaw, USAF, Ret.

Born April 24, 1941, in Saline County, Illinois, a son of Luther Earnest and Nellie Pearl (Jenkins) Henshaw, Garry was raised in the countryside of Harrisburg, Illinois. He graduated from the Harrisburg High School, Class of 1960. He entered military service in 1961, beginning a career with the US Air Force that spanned over 23 years, serving in the capacities of Strategic Aircraft Maintenance Technician and Vehicle Operator/Dispatcher. His duty assignments included bases in Washington State, Hawaii, Thailand during Vietnam, and in Michigan at Wurtsmith AFB and K.I. Sawyer AFB from where he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1984. On May 4, 1962, Garry was united in marriage to Donna Rae Johnson in Spokane, Washington, and she accompanied him to all his assignments except Thailand when she remained at K.I. Sawyer. Following his honorable discharge, the couple resided in Gwinn for ten years and Garry began a long employment at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, first through a work study program before being hired as a benefits coordinator where he helped the residents with finances. He retired in 1997 due to ill health.

Throughout his career at Jacobetti and for years afterward, Garry was a tireless advocate of veterans causes and passionate about securing for veterans the benefits and assistance they had a right to and deserved. He not only assisted the veteran, but was an advocate for their spouses and families as well.

Much of his work was accomplished as he served as a service officer for the Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary through DAV Chapter 22. He was instrumental in founding the Jacobetti Home for Veterans Charity Golf Outing which has raised thousands of dollars for the Jacobetti Member Assistance Fund over the last 24 years. Garry put into practice the purpose of the DAV to empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. In his leisure, Garry enjoyed a good game of golf with wife, Donna, cheering on the Packers, and NASCAR racing. He was a member of DAV Chapter 22 for 29 years, and a member of VFW Post 6 and the Marquette Exchange Club.

Garry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Donna; his children, Sheila Henshaw and Vicki Henshaw both of Marquette, DeWayne Henshaw of Louisville, KY, and Tiffany (Terry) Marr of St. Louis, MI; his grandchildren, Matthew (Lauren) Wittler, Jeremy Wittler, Bryan Wittler, Jesse Henshaw, Darien Henshaw, and Joshua Marr; great-grandchildren, Kennisen, Ellary, Monroe, Hayze, Rileigh, Jaden, Pyper, and Rowan; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Henshaw of Manteno, IL and Dolores (Romaine) Gregg of Peotone, IL; many nieces and nephews. Garry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Floetta (the late Jesse) Hill; and brothers, Charles, Dean (the late Mary), Vonnie, and Carl (the late Mary) Henshaw.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Tuesday, March 17, beginning at 11:30 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Pastor Chad Mager will officiate. Veterans honors will be accorded by members of the US Air Force Honor Team and DAV Chapter 22. A reception will be available during visitation and following services.

Interment will be made in the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Memorials are preferred to the Jacobetti Member Assistance Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com