Joseph “Joe” Henry of Ridgeway, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Ossian Care Center in Ossian, Iowa.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 3094 253rd Ave, Ridgeway, IA 52165, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the church.

Joe was born June 21, 1941, to Herbert “Hub” and Isabel (McCormick) Henry. Joe attended country school near Bluffton and graduated from Decorah High School. On November 9, 1963, Joe married the love of his life, Paulette Whalen. To this union, six children were born: Shawn, Todd, Jolyn, Jill, Nicole, and Brittnee.

Joe’s life centered around farming - caring fiercely for the land and raising livestock. As a young man, he worked alongside his uncles and father, developing a work ethic that would follow him throughout life. Joe was also an advocate and champion for the industry, serving in leadership roles and as a founding member of the Winneshiek County Cattleman’s Association and the Winneshiek County Pork Producers, where he and Paulette made many treasured friends. He was also active in the St. Bridget’s Church council. As a lifelong learner, Joe completed auctioneering college in 2002.

Joe made many trips to Texas, creating treasured memories with Brittnee, attending rodeos, live music, and livestock shows. His conversations would often include stories from his trips and their treasured time together. A trip to Ireland was also a hallmark of their many adventures. Joe will be remembered for his love of dancing, his Irish wit, humor, and sense of style – always dressed in a colorful western shirt, Wranglers and cowboy boots.

Joe is survived by his children: Shawn, Jolyn, Jill, Nicole, their spouses and children, Brittnee, and his sister, Marjorie Sovey.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Paulette, son, Todd, parents, Herbert and Isabel Henry, sisters Kay Reinhart and Mary Jane Henry, his mother and father-in-law, Paul and Zola Whalen, many uncles, aunts, and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wellington Place and Ossian Care Center for their loving and compassionate care of Joe, “JoJo” and their support throughout his battle with dementia.