Henry A. Thoeny passed away on July 17, 2021 in Billings, MT. He was 86 years old.
Henry was born on November 22, 1934 in Forest Lake, MN to George and Anna Thoeny; the 7th of 10 children. His parents spoke only German so he learned the English language when he started 1st grade. In 1948, at the age of 14, his family moved to Brockway, Montana by way of a train boxcar. He attended high school in Circle, MT. and worked as a ranch hand until traveling to California where he learned his carpentry/drywall skills. He joined the Army in 1956 and served at Ft. Lewis in the signal corps as a radio switchboard operator until transferring to the Army Reserves in 1958. He returned to Montana and lived in the Watkins/Brockway area before being Honorably Discharged on November 30, 1962.
He married Frances Reno in Terry on June 21, 1959 and in 1960 they bought the Marshall Berry Place southwest of Brockway. They were blessed with 4 children, Brian, Steve, Lisa and Mark. He especially liked his cattle and ranched and farmed there until selling the place in 1977. They moved to Terry where he started his construction business and built and remodeled several buildings and homes in the area. In early 1986 he headed back to California and attended Butte Community College where he got his building inspector certification. In the fall of that year he went to work as the city building inspector for the city of Winnemucca, NV until retiring in 1999.
Gardening & woodworking became his passion after his retirement. He was very proud of his garden and fruit trees and made the best dill pickles from cucumbers he grew. He loved spending time in his woodworking shop building furniture and turning out bowls. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fly fishing in particular.
In 2013, he and Frances returned to MT, living in Great Falls until moving to Miles City in January 2019. In August 2020, due to declining health, they moved to Canyon Creek Assisted Living in Billings, MT. On June 21st they celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 half-brothers: Chris, Leonard, George, John, William (Ole) and his brother Fred.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances; 4 children: Brian (Debby) of Gillette, WY, Steve (Pat) of Rosebud, MT, Lisa (Kris) Verren of Tehachapi, CA and Mark (Nina) of Cathedral City, CA; 8 grandchildren: Brandon, Kacie, Oakley Ashley, Amber, Ty, Alec and Andrew; 5 great- grandchildren: Kavin, Kale, Kwynn, Webb and Bently; his brothers Matt and Simeon, his sister Ann Vine and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Hanks caregivers Deb Donndelinger, Canyon Creek Memory Care Staff, the Billings Clinic Staff and especially Dr. Woodhams for his exceptional care during his last days.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Miles City Council on Aging Nursing, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 22, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday July 23, 2021
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 22, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 23, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday July 23, 2021
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry, Montana 59349
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Jim, Linda, Tessa and Ashley says
Brian, Debby and Girls. So sorry to hear of the passing of your father/grandfather. God bless you all.
SALLY ANN BORLA says
BRIAN, DEBBY AND GIRLS–I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM YOU FOR SOME TIME BUT I RECOGNIZED THE NAME SO I READ THE OBIT–SO SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE–JUST WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW I AM THINKING OF YOU AND STILL REALLY MISS YOU AS A WONDERFUL NEIGHBOR. I DID NOT SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS OR ANY LETTERS IN JANUARY BUT I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT ALL OF YOU A LOT–KEEP IN TOUCH WHEN YOU HAVE TIME–STILL HAVE SAME ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER–LOVE AND SYMPATHY TO ALL, SALLY
Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this time of loss. We are glad we were able to meet Henry. What a fine man. God be with you. ❤ Rocky and Carol
Carol Thoeny Raymo says
Frances, So sorry to hear of uncle Henry’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, praying for comfort and peace during this most difficult time. Love From Carol (Thoeny) Raymo, Don & Debbie Thoeny
Greg and Cindy Ban says
Our thought and prayers go out to the family of Henry. He was a good man. Thank God that we will all meet again someday. Keep the faith and cherish the memories.
Doug Benge says
Steve: Sorry for the loss of your dad. Best wishes.
Derald & Vivian Reno says
Sending our Sympathy to all of Hanks family,
We have so many fond memories of Hank.
He is at peace now and has no more pain and suffering.
Expressing our love to all of you.
Gary and Robin Hoffet says
Our prayers go out to the Thoeny family’s on the loss of Henry. From Gary and Robin Hoffet
Lynette and Dwight Tague says
Frances and family, Your husband/dad was one of the best. He raised great kids!
Tim Meidinger says
My condolences to the Thoeny family and especially to Frances that I remember from when I was young! May you all find peace with the loss of this fine man.
Jere Sullivan says
We had some great times, back in 50- 51- 52
Rest in piece Henry
Jere and Alexina Sullivan Spokane Wa
Pauline Harmon says
Frances,
I was so sorry to hear of Henry’s passing. I think so often of the two of you. These times are so difficult to get through, but faith and the love you had for each other will help you do much.
Pauline Harmon
Reed Reyman says
Steve and Family
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a great guy that I will always have fond memories of. God Bless.
Reed and Sandra
Les Thompson says
Brian,Debby and Families,
So sorry to hear of your loss and sending our love.