Orville was born on August 10, 1927, to Orville & Audrey (Meyers) Henrey in Paine, OH. He was the youngest of five boys. He left school early to go to work and help support his parents during the depression. In 1952 at 23 years old, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Korea, where he was a medic and saved many lives, running into the field of battle to bring wounded soldiers back for medical attention. He was truly an American Hero.
Orville was a semi-truck driver all his career, and a proud member of the Teamsters Union. After retiring he and his wife, Lori, spent much of their time camping, even spending winters in Texas. Camping was something he always loved to do. He made many friends at the campgrounds and in his neighborhood. He was kind to everyone he met and had a memory like no one else.
Orville is survived by his beloved grandchildren Tracy (Jon) Fraser, Bradley (Paige) Henrey, step grandchildren Eddie (Angela) Sauer, AJ (Paula) Sauer, Tina Sauer, stepson David Sauer, special daughters-in-law Beverly (Andy) Henrey-Newhausen and Lisa Henrey. He also had many others who called him Grandpa, too many to mention, and great grandchildren he loved dearly and loved him the same. Known to some of the great grandchildren as Papa, a name that brought a smile to his face.
Orville was predeceased by his parents, 3 sons, Rodney Henrey, Jerry Henrey, and Jeffrey Henrey, 2 grandsons Jeremy Henrey, and Jason Henrey. He lost two wives during his life, Dorothy (Capp) Henrey and Lorenia “Lori” (Lafferty) Henrey and his 4 brothers, Charles Henrey, Gerald Henrey, Harold “Fuzz” Henrey, and Ronald “Whitey” Henrey.
Services will be held at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 West State St. Rockford, IL 61102, on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at 10 A.M., visitation starts at 9 A.M. After the completion of the service a procession will lead to a short graveside military service at Sunset Funeral Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL 61115. Immediately following the graveside service there will be a small lunch served at a location still to be determined, all are welcome to come to eat and share memories together. We will announce the location at the graveside service.
Special thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice for their kindness and support, you made it possible for Orville to spend his last days at home just as he wanted, for that we are very grateful.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefunerals.com for the Henrey family.
