Gregory A. Henriksen

Gregory A. Henriksen, 66, of La Crosse, passed away at his home on Saturday April 18th, 2015.
Greg was born September 21st, 1948, in Watertown, Minn., to Reinhart V. “Swede” and Rita A. (Sexton) Henriksen. He met and married his soulmate and loving wife, Kathleen M. (Herring), on May 17th 1986, in La Crosse, and together they had three beautiful sons, Samuel G., Alexander J., and Erik A. Henriksen.
He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1966. Upon graduation, Greg continued his education at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.
Greg had the good fortune in working several years alongside his father, his grandfather, “Babe”, and his brothers, in the family business, Statewide Builders, then spent many years selling insurance, after which he then returned to his brother Lee’s business, Design Irrigation, and then finished his career with Outdoor Service Inc., prior to retiring in 2013.
Greg excelled as an athlete throughout high school and beyond. He even received honors from the State of Wisconsin for the 1967 Wisconsin American Legion State Baseball Tournament as the State Batting Champ, batting .406. He was known for his consistency and power at the plate. At one point, he had 13 extra base hits in a row. He made many lifelong friends playing on many local softball teams throughout his life and was known by his nickname, “Rico”.
He took great pleasure passing his talents on to his three sons, which became his life’s passion; mentoring, coaching and assisting them when needed. He loved time spent with his sons whether it was sporting events, hunting at the cabin or their numerous fishing trips. In retirement, Greg enjoyed working on many home projects for which he was grateful for the knowledge and time of his brother in-law, Mark. He took pride in his lawn and garden. He was also grateful of the extra time he was able to spend with his mother.
Greg especially loved being a part of Sam’s baseball career, as he played for the American Legion and Winona State University. He cherished the time he was able to travel with the teams and volunteered every time he could to car pool, often leading to many bonding moments with his sons and kids on the teams. He had the opportunity to go to Florida for the WSU’s Spring Training preseason. He also enjoyed helping and teaching his sons in Scouting, either by being a chaperone on camp outs or helping build championship quality pine wood derby cars. Greg was always there when we’ve needed him. If it was advice you needed, he had it; or just a big hug, he gave it. He was smart, wise, and the best father we could have ever hoped for and he will forever be in our hearts.
Greg is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of 29 years, and their three sons, Samuel G., Alexander J., and Erik A.; mother, Rita, and step father, Don J. Johnson; father in-law, Richard Everett Herring; his brothers, Lee (Debbie) and Steve (Tracey); sisters-in-law, Susan (Mark) Kendhammer, Lisa Peterson (Dave Novak) and Linda (Dan) Smith; his aunts, Betty Neuman and Artis Sexton; and nieces and nephews, Ben (Sarah), Hunter, Nick, Elizabeth, Chris, Kelley (Mike), Kyle, Max (Julia), Lindsey (Ethan), Adam, Matt (Renata), Cara, Kayla and Katie. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews, and his special pets, Caesar and Bentley. He was preceded in death by his father; step mother, Laurie Henriksen; mother in-law, Dorene Koby; and step father in-law; Robert Koby; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 22nd, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 130 Losey Blvd. So., La Crosse. Rev. Peter Raj will officiate. A reception will follow the funeral mass in the parish hall then burial will take place in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, where a prayer service will begin at 5:00 p.m., and also from 10:30 a.m. until the time of mass on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Greg’s memory for liver cancer research.