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Henry Burbank Rehder, Jr.
Henry Burbank Rehder, Jr.
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Henry Rehder, Jr. Obituary
Henry Burbank Rehder Jr., 75, passed away on April 10, 2025, surrounded by love. Born to the late Barbara Beeland Rehder and Henry Burbank Rehder Sr., Henry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Diane Howerton Rehder; his daughter, Barbara Gaines Rehder; and his cherished grandchildren, Johanna Grace Carey and Joel Landon Carey, who brought him endless joy and pride. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Johanna Howerton Rehder.
Henry is also survived by his siblings: Kristin Rehder and her spouse Sue Washburn, Robert Rehder and his spouse Amaryallis Rehder, and Perrin Quarles and his spouse Peggy Quarles, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.
Henry lived a life of many layers-rich with passion, purpose, and connection. For over 30 years, he worked in the family business, Will Rehder's Florist, many of those years alongside his father. With a love for flowers and a deep gift for gardening, he made it his mission to share his knowledge and beauty with the world. He authored two books on gardening, was known affectionately as "Dr. Plant" on 980 The Wave, and was a regular presence in the local media, bringing both education and joy to the community.
Later in life, Henry answered a deeper calling and became an ordained Lutheran minister. He served faithfully at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Shallotte until his retirement in 2018. Even after retiring, he continued to minister through Brunswick Funeral Services. His messages were heartfelt, filled with grace, and always touched with his signature warmth and wit.
Henry was a man who loved fully and was fully loved. He had a way with words and a way of making everyone feel included. Anyone who met Henry left feeling better about themselves. His legacy is one of kindness, passion, faith, and generosity-a life well-lived, and a spirit that will be deeply missed.
A service to celebrate Henry's life will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wilmington, NC, on Thursday, April 17th at 2 p.m. A reception will follow.
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Michael McNeill
April 27, 2025
I was so saddened to hear of Henry's passing. He was such a wonderful & funny man. He gave me a job at Rehder's Florist & I worked there for the next 7 years. He will be truly missed. Michael McNeill
Roxanne Thompson
April 25, 2025
Dianne and Gaines,
I just heard about Henry´s passing . My sympathy and prayers for all of you,
Roxanne Thompson
Naydine Sharpe
April 17, 2025
I worked with Henry while he was interning at Alamance Lutheran. He was very dedicated. I also went to hear him preach when I went to the beach. Naydine Sharpe
Donna Pope Giles Atkins and
April 17, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Henry Rehner´s passing. I used to kayak with Dianne in Shallotte. He was a kind man and wonderful cook. Prayers for Gaines and Dianne and family and friends. Mike and Donna Atkins
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Brec Connett
April 16, 2025
Henry was our first mentor when Gail and I first started our landscape business more than 35 years ago. His belief in our start up meant the world to us. Thanks Henry!!
Frances Holden Clausing
April 15, 2025
Am so sorry to learn of the death of Henry Rehder, Jr. It did not seem like Christmas until I went by Rehder Florist to get Henry to help me with a Christmas ornament, etc. He was always so kind to me and we had so many laughs - the years passed so quickly. I will miss Henry - he always made one want to be a better person. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Frances Clausing
Alan Marshall, Jr.
April 14, 2025
Our family was blessed to live next to Henry and Barbara Rehder on Oleander Drive for many years. Our two families shared many wonderfuly memories with them. I can remember many hours spent roaming their back and side yard which they had turned into a well planned and impeccably executed formal garden. The most treasured memories were with the family. Henry and Kristin were closest to me in age and became like another brother and sister to me. I remember Henry talking to me about hunting, fishing, classic British roadsters and just about everything else under the sun. He was a very warm and loving young man and meant so much to all of us on the Marshall side of the fence. There was a big old crepe or wax myrtle growing along that fenceline between our yards. It had a big, flattened limb with a fork at just the right spot. I would climb up and out on the limb, turn around and lean my shoulders back on the fork and wait for any of the Rehder's to come out. I'm pretty sure they all grew a bit tired of my endless questions! Henry, thank you for all you did for us. Enjoy your reunion with Johanna and the eternal reward you so deserve. May the road rise up to meet you. Alan Marshall Jr.
Andrew More
April 13, 2025
I met Henry when we both started seminary in Columbia South Carolina at LTSS in the summer of 2002. In addition to taking classes together, we also lived on the same floor of the student dormitory. We were classmates starting with our intensive summer Greek program. We became fast friends.
Henry's affable personality made him an easy and comfortable person to be around, and his sense of humor always brightened the conversations we had. Henry's faith in Jesus was clear to anyone who spent time with him.
I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and I want to share my heartfelt sympathies for his family. Henry was truly a brother in Christ.
Andrew More
Ronald Wedekind, Summerville, SC
April 13, 2025
I was really saddened today when I received word that Henry died. I first got to know Henry when I did the funeral for his mother and then as I consulted with him regarding flowers and others plants I grew. I appreciated his energy, humor and authenticity especially when speaking about his faith. I found that to be a breath of fresh air. It was a special privilege for me when Henry did his Clinical Pastoral Education at New Hanover where he showed great care and compassion to our patients and staff who wanted him to stay. He was as such comforting caring presence that will be missed.
Ann Little
April 13, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Henry & I were lifeguards at the country club back in the summer of 1965 or 66. Ann Ficklen Little
Cynthia Hathaway
April 13, 2025
Dear Diane,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Pastor Henry presided over my husband's memorial service in 2013. Without having known Bob, Pastor Henry's message was compassionate, heartfelt, and uplifting. My daughter and I felt his sincerity and were calmed. Subsequently I became a member of St Luke. I am deeply saddened by his passing but am heartened by knowing he is in the hands of God.
Cindy Hathaway
Joan and Walt Eccard
April 13, 2025
Dear Diane and family,
We are so saddened to learn of Henry´s death. May God give you peace and guide you through this difficult time. We have fond memories of Henry´s time at St Luke and his engaging personality, as he led his flock. I also appreciate his years in our local garden club, where he generously shared his knowledge and love of plants. Camellias will always remind me of Henry!
Gaines
April 12, 2025
Kelly nowrey
April 12, 2025
Diane and family, please be uplifted and carried through this difficult time. Henry blessed many lives and you and your family are blessed to have so many years of wonderful memories. Until you are all together again may God continue to bless you with comfort. Shawn and Kelly nowrey
Bill & Coral Mealia
April 12, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the REHDER FAMIY and all the many friends especially those of St Luke Lutheran Church. Pastor Henry shared his knowledge of what a true Christian needs to be when giving of his sermons. He led his church with Love, Passion and giving of his personal time to those who needed God´s Grace and Charity.
May Jesus hold Pastor Henry in HIS arms for eternity...
Bill & Coral Mealia
The Batchelders and Javi
April 12, 2025
Diane and family
We are so sad to hear and read about your dear Henry. Although we´ve only known you a short while, you both have demonstrated your love for each other and those who are in need in an incredible way. We love you.
We also know you shared your faith in Christ with each other and those around you and because of that you will forever be united in his love and be with each other again. That is His promise.
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5229 Ocean Highway W, Shallotte, NC 28470
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