Michael James Henry

Michael James Henry, age 70, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025 due to kidney failure, under the care of Tidewell Hospice in Palmetto, Florida.

Mike was born on May 28, 1954, to Jerome (Jerry) and Mary Denise (Heenan) Henry in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. As the middle child between his brother, Jeffrey, and sister, Mary Beth, Mike grew up in a close-knit family that moved for Jerry’s work throughout Michigan and Wisconsin, together regularly visiting Lake Michigan in Wisconsin’s Door County and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where Mary Denise had grown up. Mike and family also enjoyed reunions in Wisconsin Rapids with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and a bevy of cousins before settling in Wausau where Mike attended 5th through 8th grades at St. James Catholic School.

Mike’s high school years at Wausau Newman were filled with adventure and achievement. He excelled academically, played football and tennis, and found a passion for music following in his father’s footsteps as a drummer. He even started a band during the rock music era, named “The Dead End,” of which he recounted fond memories during his declining months of life. But his true love was the mountains. Mike was a natural on the slopes, mastering Wausau’s Rib Mountain. He shared his first-rate talents with all via skiing instruction and led high school ski trips to Colorado and Utah. His enthusiasm, leadership, and adventurous spirit were evident when he was elected senior class president.

After high school, Mike worked construction, including at the Marathon County Health Care Center in Wausau on Sturgeon Eddy Road, and studied at UW-Marathon County before pursuing his dream of skiing the big mountains and living in the West. He spent time in the mountains he loved, worked hard at ski resorts doing odd jobs, and skied whenever he could! Life led him on an unconventional journey involving mental illness, but through every twist and turn, he remained resilient and determined.

Despite life’s challenges, Mike’s adventurous spirit never wavered. He was always seeking new experiences, embracing the freedom of the open road, and finding solace in the mountains he loved. In Florida, he discovered a sense of constancy in his later years. His journey was one of resilience, independence, and an unbreakable love for adventure.

Mike is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jeffrey and Patricia Henry of Eau Claire, and his sister, Mary Beth (Henry) Arnett of Whitefish Bay. He also leaves behind nieces Megan Dahl, Erin (Timothy) Lynnes, Caitlin and Lauren Arnett, and four grandnieces.

A graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery at 11 am on Friday, May 9, 2025. Those planning to attend should meet at 10:45 a.m. by the cemetery gate at 1501 Grand Ave in Wausau. After the service a gathering will be held to remember Mike at Bunkers at the Tribute Golf Course on Golf Club Road.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many caring souls who reached out to Mike with kindness over the years.

Memorials may be directed to NAMI Northwoods, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

NAMI Northwoods
Web: https://www.naminorthwoods.org/donate/