Michelle Dawn Henze

Michelle Dawn Henze, 55, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

Michelle was born on January 13, 1968, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Frank and Carolyn (Davis) Schuermann. She graduated from Warsaw High School in 1986, and was united in marriage to L. Dale Henze on June 27, 1987. He survives.

Michelle loved spending time with and watching her grandchildren and was a reverend, filling in at area pulpits for many years. She was a member of The Rock Church in Quincy, where she served in many aspects of worship. Michelle loved to travel, and she served the Lord in music ministry throughout the United States with her husband. Her happy place was the outdoors, especially the beach. Michelle’s faith was first in her life, but her family was a close second. She loved taking care of and spending time with her family, and had a knack for organizing people’s lives. People could always depend on her for her wise counsel and answers to questions. Michelle had a massive sweet tooth, and was known to never turn down a chocolate muffin or a back rub. Michelle was characterized by her resilience in life, but throughout everything, she wanted people to know that she was never scared for heaven.

Michelle is survived by her husband L. Dale Henze of Hamilton; two daughters: Breanna (Matthew) Irish of Lomax, Illinois, and Oakley Henze of Hamilton; five grandchildren: L. Axel Henze, Lindale Henze, Julius Henze, Oryn Irish and Everett Irish; her adopted parents: Frank and Carolyn Schuermann of Warsaw; her biological mother Pat (Carl) Tortorige of Quincy, Illinois; her brother Mark (Angie) Schuermann of Warsaw; and three half-siblings: Travis, Carson and Annette Tortorige. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Michelle is reunited in heaven with her biological father.

Michelle’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 2 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw, with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm at Printy Funeral Home directly before the service.

Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Dale Henze for expenses.

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