Mark Henry M.D.

Dr. Mark R. Henry was born December 5, 1959 to Richard J. Henry and Sally A. Platt in Hawthorne, CA. As a young child he lived in Glastonbury, CT and later moved to Germany where he completed the 4th and 5th grade learning to read, write and speak fluent German. Mark graduated high school in East Moline, IL. He went on to complete his undergrad at Depauw University where he graduated with honors. After attending medical school at University of Illinois, his residency was completed at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, IL. Mark started his family practice career in Battle Creek, MI. Later he ventured out and opened Wattles Park Family Practice where he continued to practice and act as the Medical Director for Integrated Health Partners.

For over 30 years, Mark was a well-respected family practice physician in the Battle Creek area. As a pillar of the community, he impacted many lives and his empathy was boundless. Mark was always very adaptive to his environment and his feathers weren't ruffled easily. He was on faculty at Western Michigan School of Medicine and had a passion for teaching and mentoring nurse practitioner and medical students. Mark's passion for teaching was rooted in his desire to encourage the empathy and compassion required to be an amazing physician. Mark valued listening to his patients, no matter how long the appointment took. Mark was down to earth as demonstrated by always wearing jeans and crocs to work. His patients loved him for it.

Most important of all, Mark was an incredible father, papa and husband. He loved his children and cherished the time he spent with each of them, whether it was going on a mission trip with David; pouring over a map and discussing travel with MaryKate; vacationing with Jakk; or working on projects with AJ. The grandchildren will miss making memories with their Papa as well the wisdom he bestowed on them.

Mark will be forever missed and remembered for the remarkable man that he was. He was a giver of his time and his love; never putting himself first. He firmly believed in giving to the less fortunate, including participating in mission trips to Africa, Moldova and the Philippines. On his second trip to the Philippines he met Gwen the love of his life. On his last trip to the Philippines, he shared the experience of giving back to the less fortunate as a physician with his oldest son who followed his footsteps to become a doctor.

Mark enjoyed traveling around the world with family and friends while embracing the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the places he visited. His favorite being Germany. Mark's love for traveling started as a child when his family traveled around the country in a pop-up camper. He had a fondness for Disney World and the magic it created for his family; the countless times he shuttled his kids in the “big white bus” shall continue to inspire a love for travel, kindness and all things enchanted. Mark's hobbies included working in the yard, collecting worldly artifacts, skiing, biking, his train room. He enjoyed listening to classical music while he spent long hours working on patient charts in his home office.

Mark left this world sooner than anyone would have wanted due to complications related to the Coronavirus. This ruthless virus does not discriminate. The best way to honor Mark, as a person and physician who lost his life to Covid-19, is to wear a mask, practice proper hand hygiene, keep a social distance of at least 6 feet, and get vaccinated when it becomes available. It may not only be your life it saves, it may be someone else's.

Surviving is his wife Gwendolyn Henry. His children Dr. David Henry, Mary Kathryn "Marykate" Henry, Jonathan "Jakk" Henry, Andrew "AJ" Henry. His stepchildren Amber (Frank) Straub, Corey (Shaunna) Teinert. Three grandchildren Wyett Teinert, Ava Straub and Trevor Teinert. Parents Richard (Cheryl) Henry, Sally (Jesse) Ivy. His three brothers Dr. Scott (Terri) Henry, Keith (Brenda) Henry and Derek (Gina) Henry, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his beloved dogs Bruiser, Bella and Jake.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be announced at a later date. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org