The son of German immigrants, Henry, or Heinrich as he was called, spent most of his childhood years speaking German. Henry was born in Boone, Iowa, on November 25, 1931, to Eugene and Elizabeth Steitz. He lived first in Ames, Iowa, and then in Willis, Texas, where he went to school. He enlisted in the US Army in 1952 and spent three years near Niagara Falls, New York, where his love for the outdoors and nature only grew. After his honorable discharge, he earned a degree in forestry from Stephen F. Austin University, married, and began his 70-year career as a Texas forester.
The Texas forestry service reassigned Henry to Montgomery County, so he brought his growing family here where they have remained since.
Henry loved all of God’s creation, but his special love was trees of which he was truly an expert. The Texas Forestry Service honored Henry in 2007, naming him Texas Forester of the Year and recipient of the Laurence C. Walker Distinguished Service to Forestry Award.
Henry loved God even more than God‘s creation, and he faithfully walked the Christian path to the best of his ability, doing good to all men. He joyfully led the singing at the Willis Church of Christ for many years.The first thing anyone who knew Henry says is, “Henry was a good man.“ He helped people in so many ways, not just food or money, but also jobs, information, a helping hand and a smiling face. Henry had a repertoire of very loud and very happy songs, celebrating a person or an event. After a well-cooked meal, which he always appreciated, he would carol out, “for she’s a jolly good cooker.”
His sense of fun and joy found full expression in his costumes. He enjoyed dressing as Santa Claus or the Easter bunny and even Superman, or whoever Henry thought of. However, it took a while before his grandkids could overcome the trauma of a 6 foot tall Easter bunny hopping out of the forest during the Easter egg hunt. All children adored Henry. His reading of the Dr. Seuss classic Green Eggs and Ham was Óscar quality.
As he neared retirement age, he spent more time working for and with the Girl Scouts of America, not just taking care of their beautiful forests, but also creating and leading informative and fun nature hikes, which he trailblazed and instituted. Hundreds of girls learned some of the fascinating forest lore about the trees and nature that lit up Henry’s mind with excitement. A special badge was created for completing Henry’s Hike, worn proudly by many Girl Scouts called “I Hiked with Henry”.
Henry valued his family above any honors, and they each adored him. He is survived by his wife, Gail, his son, James Gregory Steitz, his daughter, Linda Steitz Jemison, his stepson, David Steinman, his stepdaughter, Susan Steinman Chumchal, and grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Henry is also survived by his sister, Margaret Miller of Memphis, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Elizabeth Steitz; brothers Walter Steitz and Paul Steitz.
All his family and friends are heartbroken, but so thankful for his life well lived. He will be deeply missed and ever loved. Henry walked with Jesus every day of his life. Most likely, as Henry walked into the welcoming arms of Jesus, Henry’s heart was so full of joy that he burst into song.
