Obituary of Martin E. Henes, Sr.

"It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced.

       -Tom Brokaw

With heavy hearts we share the passing of Martin E. Henes, Sr.  Please keep Martin and his family in your prayers.  

Martin E. Henes, Sr. was peacefully called home to the Lord at sunrise on Sunday, November 1, 2020. He shared 96 years of love and patriotism with everyone he met.

Martin was born on a beautiful summer day in August of 1924.  He was one of three sons to bless his Mother’s life. He grew up in Mt Tabor, raised by his Mom and Grandma along with his brothers Henry and Jack. After his schooling at Boonton High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served our country from 1943-1946 during WWII.  After his honorable discharge, he married Lorraine Swenson, the love of his life on September 6, 1947 at St. Virgil’s Church. They were fortunate to spend 67 wonderful years together. 

Soon after Martin and Lorraine wed, they started their family, welcoming a daughter Jacqueline “Cookie” and seventeen months later, their son, Martin Jr. “Buster” was born. 

In 1956, the Henes’ settled in Indian Lake to raise their family. Martin loved this community and donated much of his time to it. Martin served as a Trustee and President of Indian Lake & President of Hub Lakes. He was a dedicated swim coach and diving coach and truly enjoyed being involved.

In 1969, the apple of Martin’s eye was born, his granddaughter Kimberly.  Pop-Pop and his “Kimbo” shared an inseparable bond which can never be broken.

He played ice hockey, was tough, and had the battle scars to prove it!  He loved a round of golf- good or bad and any day fishing was a great day. Indoors- he enjoyed a jigsaw puzzle, a spin around the dance floor and a nice glass of merlot.  Martin also enjoyed a good meal, which had to be “small & nice”, but he lived for dessert and a HOT cup of coffee.  He was a man who always knew, “the best is yet to come”.

Being a product of the greatest generation, Martin knew the value of a dollar and worked hard to give his family a good life.  He was a Mechanical Engineer and worked for several companies through the years.  He retired from Spiral Binding Co. after 24 years of service with them.

In 1999, the Henes’ headed south to the sunshine state. They lived in Longboat Key and Bravura Lakes, Sarasota before returning to NJ to be closer to family in 2014.

Martin was a true American who loved his country and all of the freedoms and opportunities this country had to offer.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and was a member and past Commander and Chaplin of the Rainbow Lakes Legion post # 451. When Rainbow Lakes disbanded he became a member of the Parsippanong Post # 249.

Martin loved for people to smile and laugh. He wouldn’t let you out the door without a “thanks for coming!” and a piece of candy for the road.  He was kind, and caring and a true gentleman. 

Predeceased by his beautiful Lorraine (2015), he leaves his children Jacqueline Burns and Martin Henes, Jr.; his beloved granddaughter Kimberly Bongiorno and her husband C. Jason Howard; his great grand-dogs Olivia and Benson as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Martin’s family would like to thank the Staff at Mount Arlington Senior Living and his wonderful doctor, Dana Banu, MD and her staff as well as the caring members of Compassus Hospice.

Most of all, Martin’s family would like to thank his personal caregiver, Rose Lourdes Desir Who made sure the warm sun shone on his face every day and brought him companionship, joy, laughter, prayer and dignity. Martin was blessed to have Rose in his life.  

“Well done good and faithful servant!” 

         • Matthew 25:23 

In honor of Martin and his love and dedication to our country, Private Family services will be held appropriately on Veterans Day this year, Wednesday, November 11, 2020. In celebration of Martins life, Military Honors will be rendered.  Donations in his memory may be made to the good work of the American Legion Parsippanong Post 249,   PO Box 196, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034. 

Please share your memories here.