Henry Wacholtz

Henry B. Wacholtz, age 89, of Austin, died Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the Adams Healthcare Center. Henry was born April 7, 1922 in Urbank, Minnesota to Theodore and Elizabeth (Koep) Wacholtz. At two months of age, his family moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota where Henry grew up. He attended school through the ninth grade. Henry worked for the Albert Lea Tribune before entering the Navy in 1942. While in the Navy, his merchant ship was torpedoed in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa. The crew spent eleven days in a lifeboat making their way to Ascension Island to safety. Henry was discharged from the navy in 1945. On April 14, 1944 he was united in marriage to Barbara Bassler of Austin and they resided in Austin their entire married life. Henry worked for the Hormel Company on the guard force for 30 years. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the American Legion, V.F.W., Eagles and Elks. Henry and Barbara spent most weekends at the lake boating, entertaining, and fishing. Henry also liked to keep busy, so he built five new homes for his family. In his retirement, he spent many hours in his workshop making birdhouses and wood baskets. Survivors include his daughter, Cynthia (Harvey) Heimer, Adams; son, Jon Wacholtz, Austin; grandchildren, Allison Heimer (John) Kollofski, Aaron Heimer, Adam Heimer, Sara Miller; great grandchildren, Burton Wacholtz, Sydney and Jack Miller, Brady, Jayci, Katelyn, Brandon Heimer, Logan Kollofski; sisters, Betty (Jim) Herplinck, Albert Lea, Helen Olsen, Winona; many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara on October 5, 2006; sister, Theresa; brothers, Leonard, Albert, Hubert and Lawrence. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am on Friday, March 2, 2012 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. There will be a 6 pm wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4:30-7:30 pm and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91 and V.F.W. Post #1216. The casket bearers will be Aaron Heimer, Adam Heimer, Burton Wacholtz, Jack Miller, Brady Heimer and John Kollofski. Memorials are preferred to Pacelli High School, American Red Cross, Adams Assisted Living and Care Center, or donor's choice.

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