Jeff & Jerry,
What a life! Your dad was quite the man. He has always been a part of the stories I share about my days “running the rivers” in Utah and Idaho. A man who left an indelible mark in my mind, and on every photograph he took.
Martin Wieschhaus
August 26, 2025
I feel so blessed to have known George and been part of his amazing life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. what an amazing contribution he gave to the world and left many memories and teachings behind.
Rebecca Dickson( hockey)
February 8, 2024
Jerry and Jeff,
My deepest condolences. I remember all of the good times hanging out, swimming, and going to Coe ball games during our Junior and high school days. Your dad was so friendly and supportive. I was unaware of his WWII experiences, but always enjoyed hearing about your river rafting trips. Will try to get in touch during my next trip to Cedar Rapids.
Dale "Al" Fye
February 6, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. George certainly was a one of a kind. I first met George and Kay when I worked at the history center as an archivist. I had the honor of archiving his letters home to his mom during WWII . As Library Director and Archivist at Coe, I spent many hours with George listening to a stories and many aspects of his life incredible life. His skill as a boatman, his talent of course is a photographer are well known, but his skill went beyond the camera to his beautiful drawings as well. He was truly a Renaissance man.
I was so blessed to be able to work in his archive, and that he and Kay saw the importance of maintaining our history. It is a legacy that will last forever.
I will miss seeing George in his iconic sandals, whether summer or the dead of winter.
Thank you, George for preserving our past and giving promise to our future. You were quite the soul and you will be missed.
Jill Jack
Jill A Jack
February 2, 2024
My condolences, Jerry, Jeff & family. George was my buddy for over 40 years. It started when I would bring donuts to him and Bill King as I waited for the football game film to be developed each week. I noticed my wait time kept increasing as we became closer friends. Then a stronger bond was formed through our work at Coe College. What a fabulous historical collection George created! I will miss my visits to Cottage Grove watching him scrapbook, recalling past adventures and being the optimist he’s always been. I’m so glad I saw him the day before his 101st birthday. I will cherish the last picture I took of hm that day!! R.I.P. George T Henry
Jean Johnson
February 2, 2024
My condolences, Jerry, Jeff & family. George was my buddy for over 40 years. It started when I would bring donuts to him and Bill King as I waited for the football game film to be developed each week. I noticed my wait time kept increasing as we became closer friends. Then a stronger bond was formed through our work at Coe College. What a fabulous historical collection George created! I will miss my visits to Cottage Grove watching him scrapbook, recalling past adventures and being the optimist he’s always been. I’m so glad I saw him the day before his 101st birthday. I will cherish the last picture I took of hm that day!! R.I.P. George T Henry
Jean Johnson
February 2, 2024
George used to stop in at Red Cross when Bob Wheeler and I were teaching a class. He would sit in as a refresher to keep his skills up for when he was out on the rough water. He would always stop and say hi when I was out doing community events, always refreshing to talk with him. Solid man.
Richard R Struve Jr
January 30, 2024
Warm memories of our talented Isle of Pines (MN) neighbor. We enjoy owning George's artful photos, skilled framing and breakfast treats.
With thoughts of sympathy, Gary and Mary Jo
Gary and Mary Jo Hyland
January 27, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting George Henry through the Boys & Girls Club partnership at the church. George took the first photo I have ever had done from a professional. George insisted that we take picture of the club staff to be hung downstairs he was very meticulous about his work and it showed. George always had a smile and conversation for me every time I saw him, he was a blessing to the BGC and he will be missed. What a life full of adventures!! My condolences to the family.
Lorinda L Ampey
January 22, 2024
We are neighbors over on Crescent St SE. We have an Optimist Flag for every flag holiday that George signed us up for years and years ago. Every time the flag the raised and then lowered by sunset, we thought of George. I will always remember a very long and delightful conversation with George on Grand Ave one lovely spring day. It went on so long that Mrs. Henry came looking for him. I cherish that memory. Our most sincere condolences to the family on your loss of a wonderful guy. Congrats George, you made it to over 100! Sincerely, Konnie and Rob Mitchell
Konnie Mitchell
January 22, 2024
I have known George since childhood. I, like just about every student in the Cedar Rapids schools of a certain age, had his picture taken by him. I also knew him through First Congregational Church. He was always an inspiring presence and an uplifting spirit, although with one qualification. His affinity for climbing extremely tall ladders to get just the right photograph should not be replicated by mere mortals. My condolences to Jeff and the rest of of George's family. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.
Mark E. Liabo
January 22, 2024
Grateful I met this amazing man because I was friends with his 1st wife Mae. Always a treat to interaction with him and got to see albums of his wonderful photography and wall hangings in his home. His obituary framed him so well. I agree with the friends comment “George does not seek the limelight, though you’ll find him there.” Truly a life well lived. Sincere condolences. Patricia and Ron Gonder
Patricia Gonder
January 22, 2024
Jennifer and Jerry and all George's family...I have many wonderful memories of time spent with you and Mae many years ago...what a respected family lead by an admiral man...my deepest sympathies to you all...
Su Wolrab..BarSu Salon
January 22, 2024
George Henry was a legend who leaves a legacy of images we all can enjoy. I got to know him as a fellow Cottage Grove Resident. He was always delightful. I join with his family in Celebrating his life. We are all better because he was here.
William C. Jacobson - Retired Educator
william Jacobson
January 22, 2024
In 2011-2012 it was my privilege, indeed honor to spend some 18 months producing a documentary of George's life and work. I also rafted down the Green River with George as the lead guide/oarsman in 1988 so was able to appreciate the drama of his stories of life on the river. Because I wanted to capture George in everyday life I also had the pleasure of knowing Kay, his second wife. She was as gracious and warm as George in welcoming me into their home. If you didn't know George well you might not realize what an exceptional human being he was. I won't try to explain that here but if you want to get a more intimate understanding of George and his amazing life go to Eighty Years Through the Lens/KevinKelly and you will see three youtube videos: one is a short trailer and the other two are Part 1 and Part 2. My hope has been that the short film will serve as an inspiration to others to live life to the fullest in a spirit of humility and good will. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to know this man and make a record of his life.
Kevin Kelly
January 21, 2024
Deepest sympathy, George Henry took many pictures for Dieman-Bennett Dance Theatre of the Hemispheres, and I was one of the those dancers.
Linda McNamara Earley
January 21, 2024
My Brother and Me used to run a picture frame shop and George would but mat board from us for his photography business. It was always a pleasant experience when George came in. Fun and interesting conversations. George was truly a treasure. Our sincerest condolences to the family.
Kenneth & Mary Mote
January 21, 2024
I always looked forward to our conversationns with Mr. Henry at Optimist’s Club. The never ceasing ,such perpetual warm welcoming, and his always interesting, quick witted intellect, ~ so memorable to us all.
Thanks to the encyclopedia of superb architectural photography of grand old Parlor City Cedar Rapids,
Mr. Henry’s photographs say it all in at least he captured for the ages to see what we have so sadly demolished.
Thank you, thank you Mr. Henry
“Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalms 46:10
Timothy Wayne van Deest
January 21, 2024
Jerry, Jeff and families, please accept my sympathy on George's passing and find comfort in knowing that others care. I knew George as a fellow Optimist for 34 years. What an inspiration of everything in life?! Thank you, George. Hold his memory close as his spirit will be with you forever.
Terry Ebaugh
January 21, 2024
I always looked forward to our conversationns with Mr. Henry at Optimist’s Club. The never ceasing ,such perpetual warm welcoming, and his always interesting, quick witted intellect, ~ so memorable to us all.
Thanks to the encyclopedia of superb architectural photography of grand old Parlor City Cedar Rapids,
Mr. Henry’s photographs say it all in at least he captured for the ages to see what we have so sadly demolished.
Thank you, thank you Mr. Henry
“Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalms 46:10
Timothy Wayne van Deest
January 21, 2024
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences. Those we love are never really lost to us as their special love lives on. Remember the fun times and the love your shared. Hold on to those memories and continue to hear his voice and don’t ever stop talking to him. May the light of love and warmth of memories bring peace to you.
I have known George and the Henry family for over 50 years. George was truly a caring, kind man with a contagious smile. He was thoughtful and considerate to all. He loved to share his life long experiences and his love for rafting and Coe.
Prayers for your hearts to heal. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
God bless
Jim Voss
James Voss
January 21, 2024
George Henry, friend, eternal optimist, God bless you, rest in Peace. Words cannot express how special it was to become acquainted with George at Cottage Grove Place who lived a few doors down from our mom. During a very sad time, George shined his enormous warmth as he enthusiastically shared his exciting adventures through photography, stories, wisdom, and friendship. His kind soul touched us deeply and it was an honor to celebrate his 100th year birthday with him and his lovely family and friends. He will always have a special place in our heart, and adored for shining his bright light and gift of optimism and kindness. Sincerely. Mona Aossey and family (Sam, Nancy, Linda) 💖🙏🏼
Mona Aossey
January 20, 2024
George ... I will miss our conversations before and after worship at 1st UCC Cedar Rapids, and the lively discussions we had when I would visit you - usually finding you working on one of your pictorial scrapbooks. It was an honor and a pleasure to have shared the journey with you for a time. I hope God is in need of a good photographer!
Rev Curt Miner
January 19, 2024
George was my average guide on the Green River in Utah in the early 80's. I still have the photo of me in in cowboy hat riding down the river. He also took our confirmation picture fo first lutheran in the early 70's. Rest in Peace my friend, I shall always cherish the memories of you.
Doug Dyrland
Doug Dyrland
January 19, 2024
I was lucky to have known George for some years while I worked at the Cottage Grove Place. George was a very kind man. Just looking at the pictures he took, you could tell he lived a very wonderful life. I am lucky enough to have a few of those photographs, now they are even more special. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of his family and friends.
Taylor Lukan
January 19, 2024