Dorene Henry

Dorene Henry passed away August 30, 2025. She was born September 6, 1933 on a ranch in Brown County, South Dakota. Dorene graduated from Bath High School in 1951, attended an airlines training school in Omaha, Nebraska, and started her federal career at the Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. After two years, Dorene returned to the family ranch near Aberdeen, South Dakota.

She was employed with the Federal Agriculture, Stabilization and Conservation Office and the U.S. Public Health Service – Indian Health Area Office. She finished her federal career here in Pueblo at the U.S. Government Printing Office, retiring in 1991 with 30 years of service. From 1995-2009 Dorene was a tax preparer for H & R Block.

She leaves 3 children, TJ (Larry) Whittemore and Darren Van Dover, both of Pueblo and Kyle Van Dover, Ft. Collins. One son, Jay, passed away from cancer in 2015.

Her greatest joys were watching her children grow and succeed, and her greatest gifts in life were her Granddaughters: Stevey (Wylie) Bayes, Jessey Goure, Marley Whittemore, Lerrey Whittemore (Dalton Peck), and Rebecca Van Dover (Travis Gulley).

She has 3 Great Grandsons: Weston Whittemore, D'Angelo Bayes, and Jack Gulley. Also 2 Great Granddaughters: Sidney Bayes and Mazey Peck.

Dorene's parents were Elmer and Gertrude Nilsson, and she made many loving trips to South Dakota in the 1990's when her parents were in failing health; and to also be with her 3 sisters.

Throughout her life, Dorene was appreciated for her many talents and her competitive play at the bridge table. Friends and family will deeply miss her special cooking and family gatherings, especially at the holidays. She was generous and fun-loving with stamina and an indomitable spirit.

She was a member of F.O.E. #145, the Lupus Support Group, the Southern Colorado Family Polka Club, International Dance Club in Colorado Springs, the Lambda Alpha Sorority, and bridge clubs too numerous to mention. The love she lavished on her photography was a real reflection of her love for people and for the nobility of life itself.

Special thanks to The Compassus Hospice Team-Jennifer, Pam, Carolina, Jessica, Linda and Ellen; Pastor Darrin and The Team at Lakeshore Post Acute Rehab Center.

No memorial service will be held. We only ask for your prayers and kind thoughts for the exceptional life of Dorene.