Name: Visitation for Martin William Henrichs
Start: 2023-01-03T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-04T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Kosanke Funeral Home

Martin William Henrichs, 85 of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away on December 30, 2022. He was born on September 24, 1937, to Martin T. J. Henrichs and Edna (Wulf) Henrichs in Humboldt, Kansas. He had three brothers: Robert (deceased), Thomas, and Joseph (deceased). The family was nurtured by strong Christian values, love for education, hard work, and sports.

Martin married Lis Thomsen from Denmark in 1960 and was blessed with two precious daughters: Marlise and Starla. Marlise's daughter, Kirsten, and granddaughter, Skylar, and Starla's children, Tobias and Camilla, have given Martin great joy.

Following a divorce in 1973, Martin married Judy (McKean) Riggs in 1981, creating a loving blended family with three stepchildren: Cheryl, Roy, and Cindy, and five step-grandchildren: Lauren, Matthew, Amelia, Anna, and Paige.

Martin graduated from Valparaiso University and received his Master's degree from Indiana University. He taught two years at Calumet Jr. High School (now Lake Ridge) and 34 years at Gary Roosevelt High School. His life was enriched by his experiences with Black and Jewish cultures.

As a social studies teacher, he became a news junky, publishing many letters to the editors and writing a guest column for The NWI Times and Post-Tribune. His book, Logical or Ludicrous, You decide. reveals his tumultuous life story and outspoken opinions, and challenges readers to get facts and recognize bias in the news.

He supported many conservative organizations and founded the Lake-Porter Leadership Councils of America, Inc.

Though he experienced trials and tribulations during his life, he was always sustained and guided by his faith in Jesus Christ. He read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation over 20 times and played the organ for churches for 65 years.

He served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and was a Regional Governor of the International Lutheran Laymen's League.

His thankful, independent spirit will be reflected at his funeral, which he composed as a celebration of Faith, Forgiveness and The Future.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Kouts, Indiana.

Funeral services will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 507 Rose Avenue, Kouts, Indiana, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Kouts. Rev. Joseph Ostafinski and Rev. Michael Henrichs officiating. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Tribune on Jan. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Henrichs

9 Entries

Anita May

February 26, 2023

My teacher at RHS Class of "86. Blessing to your family. May your forever rest in peace.

Kenneth Goodwin

January 9, 2023

Mr. Henricks was my 10th grade world history teacher at Gary Roosevelt. He was my first white teacher and he made me realize my love of History. I never regretted being in his class. He was a real gentleman, great teacher and someone I will never forget. Ken Goodwin, Roosevelt class of 1964

LAWRENCE A Lipscomb jr

January 3, 2023

This man introduced me to Germany and I will always be thankful Vielen Dank RIH

Travick Cheryl (Student from the graduating class of 1976. Roosevelt High

January 3, 2023

My sincere prayers and condolences to the Henrichs family.

Gloria (Hughes) Williams

January 2, 2023

My sincere condolences to his family. He was one of my favorite teachers! Roosevelt High Class of 1978

Joseph A. Morris

January 2, 2023

Marty was well-read, thoughtful, and deeply concerned about the welfare of his family, his neighborhood, his community, and his country. He was an American patriot of the old school, teaching respect for all individuals regardless of categories and divisions and communicating a deep love of liberty and democracy. He read the Bible and the U.S. Constitution cover-to-cover many times, and shared his knowledge lovingly. He was, by profession, a teacher, and a great one. He was also a bridge-builder, who used ideas to spark conversations and conversations to build relationships across all kinds of racial, ethnic, religious, and generational divides. He was a fabulous friend. He loved Judy and told his intimates how powerfully she changed his life for the better. He loved and was proud of their combined family. May the memory of Marty Henrichs forever be as a blessing. /s/ JOSEPH A. MORRIS

Dianne Justus

January 2, 2023

I knew Marty as a very kind neighbor. He always struck me as a great gentleman and very knowledgeable person. He will be missed.

Bert Jacobs

January 1, 2023

Marty was a good friend and
neighbor and a valued brother as a dedicated Christian.
I valued many conversations with Marty at meals and gettogethers at our condo clubhouse.
He will be missed by many friends and neighbors.

Dan Ball

January 1, 2023

I always enjoyed attending Marty's bible studies and having biblical discussions with him. He was a true leader in every respect. Well done good and faithful servant. Rest easy, great is your reward in heaven.

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