Henry Lee Elwood 1934-2024
Henry Lee Elwood, 89, passed away surrounded by family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 9, 2024. Beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Henry was true to Cresco through and through; he was humble and loyally committed to small businesses in and around Cresco. In the religious community, he was a testament to his faith through his career and family life. Henry credited his parents for his firm foundation of faith and strong work ethic. Henry was born on October 22, 1934. He spent his childhood in Cresco with his Fox Terrier, Peter, by his side.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Dale Elwood (Elma) and Marian George Elwood (West Union); and by his siblings: Frances (Robert Tompson) Melvold (Maquoketa), Mildred (Richard) Butler (Des Moines) and George Elwood (DeWitt); and by his loving wife of 60 years, Carol Maass Elwood (Rochester, Minnesota).
He attended Cornell College in Mt Vernon, Iowa then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Drake Law School in Des Moines. After College, Henry joined the US Army National Guard then served in the US Army in Augusta, Georgia at Fort Gordon as a member of the Army JAG. November 3, 1961 Henry met Carol at a singles club dance at the KC Hall in Rochester, where Les Fields’ band was playing. It was love at first sight, they danced and went for coffee that evening and the rest is history.
They married September 22, 1962, settling in Cresco where they raised their daughters. They shared a marvelous, adventurous life together until Carol’s death in 2021.
Henry is survived by his daughters and their children. Marina (Kent) Carson (Omaha), Laura (Bruce Johnson) Elwood (Cedar Rapids) and Tina (Brad) Elwood Gehrke (Solon).
Henry was proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments, their independent and thriving lives: Sean (Ryan) Hampton (Las Vegas), Kenton Carson (Omaha), Blake (Alicia Rosa) O’Donnell (Minneapolis), Marissa Carson (Omaha), Ben Johnson (Sacramento), Hunter (Dr. Maddison Shupe) Gehrke (Shueyville), Chase (Kelsey) Gehrke (Spencer), Otto Gehrke (Solon).
Henry’s pride extended to his beloved nieces and nephews. There are many things we remember about Henry: Henry was a dreamer, quiet comic and storyteller. Henry would share stories of his youth, his boy scout group, travels and of family and friends. In addition, he wore several hats as father, counselor and gentleman farmer. He provided lessons to his daughters, encouraging them to “do what is right’’ and “be prudent and kind.” He followed in his father’s footsteps and served his community as an attorney for over 60 years.
Memories of afternoons at the farms cleaning up the woods, fixing fences and “picking rock” provided a platform where he spent hours upon hours storytelling. He showed dedication to his community as a member of several organizations including Kiwanis, Howard County Historical Society, Boca Grande Historical Society, Iowa State Bar Association, and served 57 contiguous years as a legionnaire of the Cresco American Legion. He was a passionate and proud Iowan who loved to travel with his wife Carol. Some of his favorite trips were to Oberammergau, Germany to see the Passion Play and driving his Harley from Iowa to Alaska’s northernmost point. Other favorite winter travel brought skiing in Minnesota and Colorado and sunsets on the beaches of Boca Grande, Florida.
He was faithful and found comfort in his church families. Lighthouse Methodist and the prayer warriors (Boca Grande), St John Lutheran (Ely) and the Sunday morning fellowship friends, Congregational Church and Immanuel Lutheran (Cresco) were meaningful throughout his spiritual journey.
After short conversations, strangers became Henry’s friends. Music filled his soul. He thoroughly enjoyed listening to music and attending musical performances with his wife and family. In the last three years in his Cedar Rapids home at Grand Living, he would sit and listen to the player piano and attend musical programs with his daughters.
His last few weeks in care with his family, or most recently in hospice care, listening to and singing hymns, as well as praying together, put a smile on his face that warmed the room where he was surrounded by love. Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Henry and his family. See teahenfuneralhome.com
Memorials may be directed to the Oldorf Hospice House (701 10th St SE, Cedar Rapids 52403), Corridor Outdoor Adventures (1592 Bramblewood Dr NE, Solon, Iowa, 5233) and/or Foundation for Recovery (4800 Alpine Place, Suite 12, Las Vegas 89107).
