Joseph “Joe” Melvin Henn, Jr., 75, of Petersburg, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Joseph, son of Joseph Melvin and Virgina Mary (Koskovich) Henn, Sr., was born on Oct. 21, 1948, in Norfolk. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Petersburg, graduating in the spring of 1967. In the fall of 1967, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served his country until his honorable discharge in 1969.

On Sept. 12, 1970, Joe was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Mary Alice Petsche at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Raeville. The couple lived and raised their family in Petersburg. Joe worked at Ritzcraft in Neligh, Lindsay Manufacturing, Grosch Irrigation, and later at Helena.

Joe was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Petersburg, American Legion Post 334 of Petersburg, Petersburg Jaycees, and the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, collecting arrowheads, and canning goods from his beloved garden. In his younger years, he played softball, attended horse shows, and did team penning. Of all the many activities Joe enjoyed doing, above all, was spending time with his family. His greatest joy was watching his grandchildren grow. He always sent his family off with his loving phrase: “Watch for deer!”

Joe is survived by his wife Mary A. Henn of Petersburg, son Jason Henn of Petersburg, daughters: Dawn (Anthony) Schmode of Lolo, MT, Jenna (Wes) Stokes of Petersburg, five grandchildren: Jacob Henn, Chelsea Munger, Crayton Schmode, Aubrey Nygren and Remi Stokes, two brothers: Bob (Lori) Henn and Jim (Maureen) Henn, all of Petersburg, four sisters: Kathy (Jim) Korth of Lindsay, Connie (Dave) Jarecki of Genoa, Laurie Henn of Creighton and Vicki Henn of Lindsay, brother-in-law Dave Albracht of Lindsay, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Bernard Lee Henn and Chuck Henn, and sister Nancy Albracht.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Petersburg with Fr. Mark Tomasiewicz and Deacon John Starman officiating. Inurnment followed in the parish cemetery with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 334 of Petersburg, Army Funeral Honor Guard, and the American Legion Riders.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.