Henry A. Wender

Henry A. Wender, age 93, of Iron Mountain, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Henry was born on October 11, 1932, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, son of the late Alphonse and Mary (Switzer) Wender. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1950 and was a lifelong resident of the Upper Pine Creek area. On March 8, 1979, Henry married Sheila Gomoll. A dairy farmer through and through, Henry was born and raised on the family farm, Edelweiss Farm, and devoted his entire life to farming. His passion for agriculture extended beyond his own land and many surrounding farms, as he was actively involved in numerous farming associations throughout the years. Deeply committed to his community, Henry also took an active role in local government and civic service. He served on the Dickinson County Fair Board, the U.P. State Fair Board, the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners, and the Breitung Township Board of Supervisors. Henry raised registered Holstein cows, American Saddlebred horses, and hunting dogs for many years and took great pride in showing cows and horses at the Escanaba State Fair and the Norway Fair. Family was at the heart of Henry’s life. He especially cherished watching his grandson and great-grandson race together at Norway Speedway and never missed any of his family’s sporting events. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and greatly enjoyed coffee clutch and countless lunches spent visiting with close friends. He will be greatly missed and his memories shared. Henry is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sheila Wender; his son, Don Wender of Iron Mountain; his stepson, Brad (Lisa) Welko of Appleton; grandchildren, Ryan (Nikki) Wender, Amber, (Joe) Meise, Shawn Ellis, Ben (Cece) Welko, and Katie Welko; great-grandchildren, Tony and Raven Wender, Nathan Cotterman, and Macala (Tom) Graham; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Wender and Mary Wender; and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Duane Wender; his grandson, Ryan Ellis; his sister, Evelyn Bilski; and his brothers, Moni, Simon, Ernest, Edward, John, Joseph, and Francis Wender. At Henry’s request, no services will be held. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Henry A. Wender

October 11, 1932 - January 22, 2026