Richard Lee Heny

Posted

(March 4, 1928 - May 17, 2016)

Richard Lee Heny, 88, of Powell died peacefully with family at his side at his Willwood home May 17, 2016.

Richard was born March 4, 1928, in Eustis, Nebraska, to Walter G. and Matilda C. (Riedel) Heny. He was the second of four children: Elaine, Richard, Imogene and Myron.

He was baptized at Salem Lutheran Church in Elwood, Nebraska, on March 25, 1928. He was confirmed in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Powell by Pastor Cleo Kautsch in 1942, shortly after the church was built.

When Richard was 2 years old, the family settled in Sidney, Nebraska, where a seven-year drought began, and they were plagued with jack rabbits, grasshoppers and army worms, all of which led to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Richard’s youngest sister, Imogene, died of dust pneumonia during the time of the Dust Bowl.

The family moved to Wyoming when Richard was 9 years old, where Richard and his father farmed and had a dairy business.

Richard married Lucille Ann Bessler on March 24, 1951, in Laurel, Montana. They lived in Powell where five children were born: Ken, Nancy, Debra, Douglas and Scott.

As the family began to grow, milking cows twice a day was the way of life. But Richard always had time for recreation. He supported and played fast-pitch softball, as did the whole family. Richard was one of the pioneers who introduced the Missouri Foxtrotting horse to Wyoming. He raised, bred and showed them for 40 years and was one of the founders of the Powell Valley Foxtrotter Club.

Richard was known also for his famous “Heny’s Sweet Corn.” The whole family, as well as friends, hit the corn patch during August picking season for 40 years.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Lucille; his parents, Walter and Matilda; sister Elaine; brother-in-law Lavern Schultz; sister Imogene; son-in-law Bud Knight, and niece Joann Schultz.

He is survived by his children, all of Powell: Ken (Gale) Heny, Nancy Knight, Deb (Jim) Thompson, Doug (Tebbie) Heny, Scott (Pokey) Heny; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and brother, Myron (Dee) Heny.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Powell with visitation Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard’s five grandsons: Dusty Harvey, Chris Heny, Brad Thompson, JW Heny, Cory Heny; and great-grandson, Trent Cannon. Honorary pallbearers are Lawrence Neher and Dan Zier.

Memorial donations may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church (Building Fund) 223 E. Fifth St., Powell, WY 82435.

Thompson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be sent to them at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY, 82435.

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