Dr. John Henry, 94, Owatonna
Dr. John Currie Henry, 94, of Owatonna, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Nov. 3, 1930, to George and Ida Lucinda (Firth) Henry in Lewiston. John graduated from Lewiston High School in 1948 and attended Winona College for engineering 1948-1949. He began his medical career as a cast room orderly at St. Marys Hospital while working his way through the RN program.
In December 1950, he chose to enlist with the Navy to serve in the Korean Conflict. He proudly served in the Navy from 1951-1954 and was honorably discharged.
Under the encouragement of his superiors, he chose to use his GI bill to study medicine at the University of Minnesota 1955-56 and Med school 1956-60.
While working summers at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, he met his future wife Veronica (Vicki) Small. Mother said he dated all the other girls before he asked her out, and he said, “I saved the best for last!” They were married in a double Nuptial Mass with Vicki’s sister Catherine and Richard Doty on July 27, 1957.
Following graduation from medical school, Dr. Henry served his internship at Charles T. Miller Hospital in St. Paul. At this time, he was selected by the medical staff as the outstanding intern of the year. In 1961, John and Vicki with Lisa and Michael moved to Owatonna where he began his Family Medicine practice with his brother Dr. Kenneth together at the Henry Clinic at the Oakdale Street office. He took care of generations of families and his greatest joy to deliver babies. Together, Vicki and John raised their five children: Lisa, Michael, Dawn, Brad and Sheila.
In 1997, he retired from his medical practice.
He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. Including active member of the Owatonna Dive Club, building many beautiful wood projects, tending to his beloved plants and flowers, tropical fish, a part time job at Cashwise Liquor, bicycling with their dear friends the Weekenders, spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. John and Vicki were married for 48 years when she passed on Aug. 9, 2005. He continued his full life for another 20 years after her death.
He is survived by his children; Lisa (Scott) Christensen, Michael Henry, Dawn (Michael) Ritter, Brad (Molly) Henry, Sheila (Joe) Mullen. His grandchildren; Matthew (Alyx) Henry, Amanda (Shane) Miller, Thomas (Kaitie) Henry, Julia (Matt) Lucas, Laura Christensen, Megan Ritter, John Mullen, Annie Christensen, Theresa Henry, Joshua Mullen, David Henry, Luke Mullen. His great grandchildren; James Miller, Harrison Henry, Avery Henry, Ronin Lucas and Aspen Henry. His special son Raffi Codilian and his children Karin and Gregory.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Ida “Lucy"; his four siblings: James, Dr. Kenneth, Charles and Amy, granddaughter Amy and his spouse Veronica (Vicki Small) Henry.
A Mass of Christian Burial was be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Joseph Church with Fr. Marreddy Pothireddy officiating. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care provided to John.