Gerald “Warren” Henrikson, 64, of Emporia, Kansas, died Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Holiday Resort in Emporia. The youngest of three children, Warren was born November 2, 1948 in Emporia, to Merle and Ruth (Jones) Henrikson.
Warren lived in Emporia for a better part of his life. He graduated from Emporia High School in 1966. In June 1970, he married Gay Miller and their marriage was blessed with three children.
He graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May of 1972 from Kansas State University and remained a staunch supporter of the Kansas State Wildcats throughout his life. Warren then entered the U.S. Air Force in January 1973 for a two year tour and was stationed at Bowling Air Force base in Washington, D.C. Following his tour of duty, Warren and his family returned to Emporia where he joined his family’s veterinary practice at Emporia Veterinary Hospital.
Warren deeply valued the lives of family, friends and animals throughout his life. He had a heartfelt commitment to the surrounding community and strove to help others when he had a chance. Warren was instrumental starting the Emporia Friends of the Zoo and served as the Founding President of the organization. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Emporia and served many years on the church’s Administrative Board and as its chairman. An Eagle Scout and receiver of the God & Country Award for scouting, Warren gave back by serving as the Pack Master for Cub Scout Troop 152 of the United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Veterinary Association and the Kansas Veterinary Association. He also was a long-time member of Kiwanis and part of the organization in Emporia and McPherson, Kansas.
Warren was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1983. Following the diagnosis and treatment, he worked with other patients diagnosed with cancer in volunteer activities with the American Cancer Society.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his family dogs Shawna the Airedale Terrier and Kami the Fox Terrier, and family cats Boots, Tigger, Muffin, Custard, Frisky, Crumbs and Socks.
Warren is survived by his children, Jon Henrikson, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jason Henrikson and his wife Amber, Farmington, Minnesota, and Alicia (Henrikson) Houston, and her husband, John, Kansas City, Kansas; his three grandchildren, Dylan, Jada and Macie Henrikson; his brother, Duane Henrikson and his wife, Jerilynn, Emporia; his sister, Marilee (Henrikson) Donaldson and her husband, Richard, Plano, Texas; and his nieces and nephews, Kristi (Henrikson) Mohn, Beth Henrikson, Todd Henrikson, Sarah (Henrikson) Dugan, Melody (Donaldson) Adams, Amy (Donaldson) Wiesner.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Emporia. Pastor Austin Rivera of the First United Methodist Church will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emporia Friends of the Zoo or First United Methodist Church and sent in care of the funeral home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald "Warren" Henrikson, please visit our flower store.
Warren lived in Emporia for a better part of his life. He graduated from Emporia High School in 1966. In June 1970, he married Gay Miller and their marriage was blessed with three children.
He graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in May of 1972 from Kansas State University and remained a staunch supporter of the Kansas State Wildcats throughout his life. Warren then entered the U.S. Air Force in January 1973 for a two year tour and was stationed at Bowling Air Force base in Washington, D.C. Following his tour of duty, Warren and his family returned to Emporia where he joined his family’s veterinary practice at Emporia Veterinary Hospital.
Warren deeply valued the lives of family, friends and animals throughout his life. He had a heartfelt commitment to the surrounding community and strove to help others when he had a chance. Warren was instrumental starting the Emporia Friends of the Zoo and served as the Founding President of the organization. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Emporia and served many years on the church’s Administrative Board and as its chairman. An Eagle Scout and receiver of the God & Country Award for scouting, Warren gave back by serving as the Pack Master for Cub Scout Troop 152 of the United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Veterinary Association and the Kansas Veterinary Association. He also was a long-time member of Kiwanis and part of the organization in Emporia and McPherson, Kansas.
Warren was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1983. Following the diagnosis and treatment, he worked with other patients diagnosed with cancer in volunteer activities with the American Cancer Society.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his family dogs Shawna the Airedale Terrier and Kami the Fox Terrier, and family cats Boots, Tigger, Muffin, Custard, Frisky, Crumbs and Socks.
Warren is survived by his children, Jon Henrikson, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jason Henrikson and his wife Amber, Farmington, Minnesota, and Alicia (Henrikson) Houston, and her husband, John, Kansas City, Kansas; his three grandchildren, Dylan, Jada and Macie Henrikson; his brother, Duane Henrikson and his wife, Jerilynn, Emporia; his sister, Marilee (Henrikson) Donaldson and her husband, Richard, Plano, Texas; and his nieces and nephews, Kristi (Henrikson) Mohn, Beth Henrikson, Todd Henrikson, Sarah (Henrikson) Dugan, Melody (Donaldson) Adams, Amy (Donaldson) Wiesner.
Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Emporia. Pastor Austin Rivera of the First United Methodist Church will be officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emporia Friends of the Zoo or First United Methodist Church and sent in care of the funeral home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald "Warren" Henrikson, please visit our flower store.
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