Henry Gail

Henry Gail

Henry Gail Obituary

Published by Ottumwa Daily Courier from Sep. 24 to Oct. 1, 2007.
OTTUMWA — Henry W. Gail, 24, of Ottumwa, passed away Sept. 21, 2007, due to a drowning accident in the Des Moines River.He was born Dec. 14, 1982, in Ottumwa.A student at Indian Hills Community College majoring in journalism, Henry was an outdoorsman who participated in Boy Scouts and loved to hunt, fish and search for arrowheads. He worked at Earl May Gardens. He was a joy.Surviving is his mother and step-father, Susan Gail and Chris Baker of Ottumwa; his beloved brother, Miles Baker at home and sister, Shelly McNurlen of Missouri; aunt, Jane Hoffman of Hawaii; uncle, Michael Boyd of California; cousins, Jeff and Chris Hoffman, Tony and Missy Hoffman all of Ottumwa, and Jennifer Hoffman of Hawaii; grandfather, Leo Gail of Ottumwa; and grandmother, Betty Durham of Ottumwa.He was preceded in death by his father, Don Gail; his grandmothers, Thelma Gail and Myrtle Boyd; his dog, Babe.His body has been cremated.Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Haybarn Shelter at Pioneer Ridge south of Ottumwa.In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Wapello Heritage Foundation for Pioneer Ridge.Reece Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Ottumwa Daily Courier.

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July 11, 2024

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September 5, 2017

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48 Entries

Crystal

July 11, 2024

I still think of you often. I know you are still here, just on the other side of a thin veil, acting as a guiding force.

Me Gail

June 20, 2024

Hi my darling. It's been a long time and lots of water under the bridge. You are still shining bright and strong and doing good work, I'm sure. Happy summer solstice and shine on, Hen.

September 5, 2017

You would have loved Twin Peaks, The Return. NINE INCH NAILS!

C. Renfro

March 19, 2009

Hank,
I have your picture up on my wall still, and the picture I took of you, D, and Aaron during better times. Those days are over now and I feel very alone...I am glad for the time I had with you, but since those days it seems we've all scattered and become shells of our former selves.

sg

March 18, 2009

Hey now. It's been a while. Time keeps waving along and I'm along for the ride. What a ride...I remember that next time, you take care of me.

Love,
ME

S G

September 22, 2008

time is like a face on water

nadya mamlock

January 29, 2008

Susan,
I think of you often. While we were fighting to keep our kids safe, you were losing yours. You are such a great person. I never met your son but I know he has to be looking down on you with a big smile for all the good you do. Thank you so much for all you have done for our family and all you will continue to do to keep others safe.
Sincerly,
Nadya

Susan

December 14, 2007

12/14/82 you were born. Seems like yesterday or 100 years ago. You are a magical man, Henry. See you after my work is done.

mom

Connie Goetz

October 21, 2007

I remember you as Suzy, you may remember me as Connie.... Over the years I have often thought about you and Henry, he was such a beautiful baby, with his chubby cheeks and those beautiful eyes! From reading the Guest Book I can tell that your Henry was a bright, warm, individual that touched everyone in so many different ways. I would like to say that you raised a fine young man. If you remember me then you will remember that I have a son Matt, not much older than Henry, my heart aches for you, no bond is greater than a parent and a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank GOD for memories!

Margi Miller

October 3, 2007

Susan, without our "Hank" we would not have a foundation or an entertainment center, or memories of laughter and love from Hank. He and Cody missed being nursery mates by one day, is that fate or what and to think they would meet in jr. high and become the bestest friends in the world, just like their moms became bestest friends in the world. I still cry for you, Hank and Cody. I remember the day they shaved at least 12 inches of their hair, I remember telling Henry he doesn't eat much and then (I can't remember what I cooked for dinner) he had three helpings of it. I remember all the love and joy he gave to our family and I remember coming home from the lake at Xmas time and he showed me Grandma's house, it was the one with the big star all lit up. And now we have another big star in the sky, you named him Henry, but as you always knew someone would nickname him Hank and that is our big shining star in the sky. We love you girl, call me sometime.

Liesa Cloke

September 27, 2007

Susan, I am so sorry. I know there are no words that can ease your pain, but know my thoughts and prayers are with you. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Kathy Fortney

September 27, 2007

Susan, I was so sorry to hear the news about your son. I also remember the days at Easter's, he was your everything, and when I had my boy I totally understood where you were coming from. Words seem so meaningless now, but please know how much you are loved and thought of. I miss seeing you at TKD with Miles, it was nice to reconnect after all those years.

Marla Cavanaugh

September 27, 2007

Dearest Susan,
When I think of your son, I think of mine, and what I would be going through, if it had happened to me. I can't help but cry for you. Chin up, though.... those wonderful memories you hold in your heart will become less painful in time, and you'll someday smile again, at his delightful, endearing ways.Be assured too, that we are eternal beings....Ya Know, Henry (Hank) will never leave you, (and in case you're wondering), he knows(this very moment)that you've always loved him immensly.

Here for you,

Nora Vargas

September 27, 2007

I feel deeply for the loss of your son. Even though I'm not with you physically, I am with you and your family spiritually. Hope and faith to you and your family. Love Nora

Norma Rosales

September 27, 2007

Susan, there are no words to tell you that I am so sorry for the loss of Henry. I will always remember his sweet smile and beautiful eyes!
I am here when you need me.

Cammeo Renfro

September 27, 2007

A description of the kind of person Hank was transcends words. Though there is nothing I can say to make his family, friends, or myself feel any better about this, I am happy that so many people are coming together to show their love and appreciation of the time they spent with him. Hank was truly one of a kind, and I'll miss him deeply.

Arlene Newell

September 26, 2007

No words are adequate. Henry was such a gift.

Kista Henderson

September 26, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family. I worked with Henry at Earl May's and really enjoyed working with him, he was such a sweetheart. He will be missed.

Scott King

September 26, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family for their loss. I worked with Henry at Earl May and he will be missed by us all.

September 26, 2007

The Gail Family,
I work at Country Kitchen along time ago with him. He was always making people smile he was a real joy. Sorry for the lost of a real great guy.

S and E

September 26, 2007

Its been awhile since we seen Henry. We always had a great time with him when he was around with the crazy stuff he'd come up with to do. He was genreally a great guy. He was always willing to go anywhere we were planning on going. We always thought that in the future he would just come back by. Now we'll have to wait to see him agian in heaven.
We will miss you Henry.

John & Kim Dodson

September 26, 2007

Susan & Family,
You have made such a difference in our lives as you have many others. Know that our hearts are breaking for you and that you are in our prayers.

Sue Hayes

September 26, 2007

Susan,
I can remember Henry as a little boy when we worked together at Easters. He was such a sweetheart and your whole world. I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you.

Teresa O'Tool

September 26, 2007

Hoping that sweet memories will ease your hearts. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Carol Eakins Taylor

September 26, 2007

Susan and family,
My heart goes out to you. Here's my hug. You are in my prayers.

Lonnie Carrick

September 25, 2007

Susie,
So sorry for your loss. I met Henry only once or twice through the years, but I know what a joy he was to all that knew him. He will be missed always. May you and your family find peace amidst the pain.

Linda Colligan

September 25, 2007

Susan, I just heard about the death of your son today. My heart breaks for you. I didn't know your son, but knowing you, I know he was a great guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Stephanie, David, Davey, & Jacob Belger

September 25, 2007

Susan-
You have touched so many families in their time of hardships. You have given of yourself in an utmost heavenly way and I am sure Henry was just like you. You are in our prayers and thoughts as we have been in yours in the past. You have our deepest sympathies.

Linda Troxel

September 25, 2007

Susan, Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We are so sorry to hear about Henry. It's so hard to say goodbye to our loved ones. It is comforting to know that he's with dad and grandma. May God put his comforting arms around you and help you through this difficult time. Linda Troxel

Alissa Wilkinson

September 25, 2007

Susie, Chris, and Miles and family,

Henry was one of the best people I will ever know in my entire life. He was my constant companion during childhood and I will cherish every memory we made together exploring, fishing, and playing make-believe. He taught everyone so much about life just by being himself...compassion for others, for animals, and a love of nature and the stars. There is such a void now. My heart aches for you and I will miss him forever.

I love you all
Alissa

Judy Murphy

September 25, 2007

Susan,
I am so sad for your loss and wish there were actual words to say that would touch your pain. I will always remember Henry's quiet smile and his laid back manner when he came down to see you. Please know you are in my heart and in the heart of my family.

Coleen & Bob Ortner

September 25, 2007

Susan,
I am so sorry to hear about Henry. Life is definitely about enjoying each day to the fullest with family and friends. Our deepest sympathies are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

-ihcc student philosophy

September 25, 2007

I didn't know Henry very well, but here are two of my favorite memories of him: He wore a Socrates t-shirt to our philosophy class and he walked home from school instead of driving.
-we had a moment of silence in class for him..he will be missed.

Karla Lilly

September 25, 2007

Susan, I am thinking about you during this very difficult time. Words can not express the loss of Henry "Hank".
Henry and I shared some laughs and interesting times as you know. He has put a smile on all of our faces at one time or another.

I love you, Karla and the girls

Sue Clark

September 25, 2007

I'm so sorry for your loss!

Minnie Richardson

September 25, 2007

Susan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your son. May you find comfort in the arms of close friends and family at this time.

Lora Lanigan (Doty)

September 25, 2007

I am so sorry about your loss, Susan. You and your family are in my prayers. Stay strong.

Wilkinson family

September 25, 2007

Susan, Chris, Miles and family,
Knowing Henry and having enjoyed many adventures with him was a delightful part of our lives. We cherish our memories.
Our Love,
Bill, Carol, Alissa, and Laura

Tamie and Troy Jager

September 25, 2007

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Michael Cloyd

September 25, 2007

Although I did not get to know Henry very well, he was always so polite when I would call for my brother when Henry was staying with him.

When I did get to meet him he was quiet and respectful. A sad loss indeed to many.

Dean Lindeman

September 25, 2007

Chris & family,

My heartfelt thoughts go out to you & your family during this difficult time, and you have my most sincere condolences for your loss.
Always,

Stephanie Law

September 25, 2007

Joe and Shelly,

You have my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care.

Steph (O'Dell IHCC CJ)

shelly peet

September 25, 2007

We will all miss Henry.He could always put a smile on my face.We Love You Henry!!

Dawn Bonjour

September 25, 2007

Susan-

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Melinda Simmons

September 25, 2007

Henry was a bright and beautiful young man who enriched many lives. My heart aches for your loss.

Susan Gail

September 25, 2007

Henry,
I don't know what to do without you here, but I'll remember to smell the flowers, feel the wind on my face, and the rocks under my feet. And most important, tell the truth, no matter how hard it is. You always did. You are my heart,

Mom

Pat Axtell

September 25, 2007

Thoughts and prayers are with you and family, Susan. Pat Axtell

nadya mamlock

September 25, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss, you are in our prayers and thoughts.

sincerly,
Nadya, Shaunda, Erika, Jakob and Karl

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Not sure what to say?

July 11, 2024

Crystal posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2024

Me Gail posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.