Frank Henrich

1931 - 2016

Frank E. Henrich
July 23, 1931 - May 2, 2016
Frank Henrich passed away peacefully at his home in Modesto, CA on May 2, 2016 at the age of 84. He was born to Frank and Genevieve Henrich in Lennox, South Dakota in 1931.  He graduated from the University of South Dakota, and later served as an officer in the United States Navy during the Korean War from 1953 to 1956. Following his military service, he started his business career, which involved the founding of three companies in packaging material products.  He married his wife of 58 years, Barbara, in 1957.  After living in Nebraska and Illinois, they left the frosty Midwest in 1960, eventually settling in Northern California where they raised their four daughters in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1985, Frank, his wife, and their youngest daughter moved to Modesto.  He was a resident of Modesto for over 30 years.     
Raised in a Christian family, his relationship with God was always the compass of his life.  With a zeal to share the Lord Jesus, his Christian work focused on bringing estranged Christians back into fellowship and increasing their faith in God.  His mission field was in his business life where he was able to assist people in trouble.  In his ministry, he wrote many articles and poems about intimacy with Jesus. In fact, he recently launched a website that featured his books, allowing the public to download them for free:  www.freebooksforchrist.com.  Not bad for an eighty+ year old guy!
When he retired, he also stayed active enjoying his family, playing bridge, attending local Bible studies, and eventually, becoming an accomplished oil painter.  Our family will treasure the wonderful paintings that he made in just the last 3 years of his life.
Frank was a person who thrived on his friendships with others.  His active mind relished the challenge of learning new things and not being afraid to ask questions. He was always ready to learn and to teach. During a conversation, he listened carefully and always had interesting solutions.  His counsel was often sought by his children and grandchildren. He and his wife had a beautiful garden that not only was an oasis for them, but everyone who visited them.  He also had a wonderful sense of humor and love of fun.  On taking his future wife on the first visit to meet her in-laws, he stopped in front of an old broken-down house and said, "This is it!" She was stunned, until he started laughing and then really took her to his parents' home.  He was also unfailingly generous with his family, friends, and even strangers with his time, funds, and friendship. He had a kid-like spirit and enjoyed taking his children camping and exploring.  Later he reveled in entertaining his grandchildren with go-cart rides, laser tag, and trips to the donut shop.  His "secret" candy drawer was always open to all.  He will be greatly missed for his Irish humor and his exuberance for life.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; and four daughters and their husbands:  Mary & Dave Doria, Cindy and John Woodbyrne, Meg and Dave Patterson, Julie and Jim Scherr; and nine grandchildren:  Tim, Chris, Peter, Daniel, Sarah, Adam, Jordan, Jacob, and Jeneva. 
A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Centenary Methodist Church at the corner of McHenry and Norwegian Avenues, Modesto, CA.  All are invited.  He will be laid to rest at a future date at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA.
In Iieu of flowers, the family requests remembrance gifts be donated in Frank's name to the Community Hospice Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.  Thank you.
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