Henry A. Woitzel
Henry A. Woitzel, 77, of Gardner, ND, passed away at his home on Monday, August 24, 2020, surrounded by his family.
Henry Alfred Woitzel was born March 6, 1943, on the family farm in Kinyon Township, rural Gardner, ND. He was born to Alfred and Nellie Woitzel. Henry had three older sisters and two younger brothers. His father died in 1951. Henry attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, graduating in 1961. Henry worked on the Dennis Melander farm near Hunter, ND and for T.E. Ibberson, building grain elevators. In 1963, Henry joined the Army. Basic Training was in Fort Ord, California followed by advanced individual training, as a Crypto operator, at Fort Gordon, GA. Henry then shipped out to Belair, France for Com Z Europe and was honorably discharged in 1963. He enjoyed traveling in Europe during his military deployment.
He then worked for Grandin Mfg. Co. on and off for 45 years. Henry started farming with his mother following the death of his father and in 1971, took over the farming operation. He loved farming, watching his soybeans grow, how to raise a better crop of soybeans and making old things work. He always said there was nothing like a good junk pile. Henry built everything from farm machinery to China closets and end tables. He made a camper out of a Sprinter van and as planned, traveled to Alaska. Henry and Charlotte also traveled to Hawaii, Canada, Australia and London. Henry enjoyed attending gun shows, hunting, firing his many rifles, shot guns, pistols and homemade cannon. He was an avid reader and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
On December 18, 1965, Henry married Charlotte Svare. They were the parents of Tia (Gary) Honeyman and their children Jayce, Carter (Bailie), Mollie, Emma and Kattie; and Fred (Jessica) Woitzel, and their children Sabrina (fiancé Austin) & Makayla; and a great-great-granddaughter Aria.
A private family committal will be held in the Hunter Cemetery, Hunter, ND.
In lieu of floral arrangements, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center westfuneralhome.com