Henry Robert Posnanski

Henry Robert Posnanski passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 5th, 2022, at the age of 98.  He is reunited in heaven with his beloved wife of 70 years, Patricia, who preceded him in 2015.  Henry is survived by his 12 children: Tom (Maryanne), Judy (Jeff) Bickel, Sandy (Tim) O’Brien, Sue (Tom) Biebel, Timm, Ted, Sally (Dick) Unrath, Sheri (Bill) Gloyeck, Shelley (Paul) Bohn, Todd (Randi Sue), Tracy (Michelle), and Hank Jr.  He is further survived by 32 Grandchildren and 20 Great-Grandchildren, sisters Dolores (Stan) Bruskiewicz, Rosanne (Robert) Corral and brother Carl (Lou).  He was also preceded by his parents Mary and Joseph, and siblings Florence (Haase) and Michael.

Henry was raised on the north side of Milwaukee and graduated in 1939 from Messmer High School where he met his beloved wife, Patsy. After high school he briefly served as Fireman for the City of Milwaukee and attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering.  Henry was a proud US Navy sailor during WWII.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and served as a radio operator - stationed at Attu in the Aleutian Islands until the end of the war.  He returned home and worked as a milk delivery man for Golden Guernsey Dairy before purchasing an ice-cream route for the dairy which he operated until 1971. He purchased Bluemound Bowl in 1971 and continued to operate the business with his son Hank Jr.  He was also the co-proprietor at New Berlin Bowl and Ale House since 2013 with his son Tracy.  

Henry remained a proud yet humble veteran who would say that all the thanks for his service should be directed at his high school friends and military buddies who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  He flew the flag every day and made it a point to respect the flag for what it meant for those who served and serve today. 

Henry was a loving husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa.  He never had an unpleasant word or thought about anyone.  He had a good relationship with everyone who he met either personally or through his businesses.  Henry will be missed by all who knew him as he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for all.  Throughout his life Henry enjoyed a good mystery, spy and documentary book and older TV shows, and he was a master with a crossword puzzle.  He was always interested in a good game of sheepshead or poker with friends and family. Henry was an outstanding boxer in high school and an avid bowler in leagues and participated in state and national bowling tournaments.

Throughout his life Henry was a hard-working man who would do anything to support his family.  He was extremely proud of his children and their families.  He taught all his children to be faithful Catholics, to have humility and benevolence to those causes they believe in. He bestowed a sense of running a successful business, and the frugality that he learned growing up through the great depression.  He was very handy with tools and repairing things which he passed down and will continue to pass down for generations to come.  Over the years he built four homes with his friends to support his growing family.  It was fitting that he passed away in his home of 62 years the day after he was able to celebrate the 4th of July honoring the flag, and the country, which meant so much to him.

Visitation at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 3970 N. 92nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53222 on Friday, July 15, 2022 11AM-1PM. Mass of Christian Burial at 1PM. Private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Henry’s name to St. Margaret Mary Parish, Messmer High School, Father Genes HELP or the Milwaukee Rescue Mission would be much appreciated.

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