Henry P. Bray

Henry P. Bray, age 73, of Mahnomen, MN, died Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo, ND. Henry was born October 1, 1937 in Beaulieu, MN, the son of Elmer and Irene (Magnan) Bray. He grew up near Beaulieu and attended country school. Following his schooling, Henry joined the United States Navy. On September 3, 1966 Henry was united in marriage to Jeanette Vetsch in Fosston, MN. The couple made their home in various places around the United States before settling in the Mahnomen area in 1977. Over the years, Henry worked for the Mid-Continental Waterproofing Co. and also owned and operated his own sandblasting company for 30+ years. He retired in the late 1990’s. Henry could be described as caring, amusing, fun loving, yet ornery. With his sense of humor, he was always able to make you laugh and smile. He loved a good beer or E&J Brandy while visiting and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. Henry also enjoyed deer hunting in the fall, grilling in the winter and making peanut brittle anytime to share with everyone! As a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, he served for many years on the cemetery board. Henry also volunteered around Christmas time with the Toys for Tots program, picking up and distributing gifts to the children. Surviving Henry is his wife, Jeanette, Mahnomen; and children: Thomas (Nancy) Bray, Plummer, MN, David Bray, Washington, Christopher Bray, Mahnomen, Valerie (Greg) Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN, Michelle (Paul) Hartley, Warroad, MN, and Amanda Bray, Fargo, ND; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters: Vivian Weeks, Cass Lake, MN, Betty Leslie, Mahnomen, and Gloria Newton, Oologah, OK; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Tina Marie Bray; and two sisters, Delores Schulz and Margurite Johnson. Blessed be the memory of Henry P. Bray. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 4, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 3rd from 2-4 pm with a prayer service and rosary at 3 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home, Mahnomen. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.

Henry P. Bray

October 1, 1937 - March 31, 2011