Grace Alice Henzler, our loving, kind and funny mom, beloved wife of Jude, died, Nov. 17, 2024, in Tempe, Arizona, at 87, from injuries sustained from an earlier vehicle accident.
Born in Fort Yukon, Alaska, Grace grew up in humble beginnings but dreamt of a life filled with love, faith and joy. A devout follower of Jesus, she lived her life as a testament to His teachings, sharing kindness, healing prayers, and a listening ear. There were many a weekend she picked up friends and family to attend the evening Saturday service at KJNP in North Pole, Alaska, worshipping into the wee hours of the morning.
Grace’s adventurous spirit led her to travel, from fish camps to camping along the Yukon, listening to “Trapline Chatter” every evening by radio, traveling by canoe, sleeping on spruce bough beds; attending so many Christian camps and Native revivals, eager to meet new people, and transform acquaintances into friends. She was officially recognized as a faith healer and never hesitated to put her spirit into action for anyone in need.
In order to assist her family, Grace left school prior to finishing her education, despite this she was eager to learn; from hand-making clothes, reading about, then crafting delicious meals from scratch, including every single dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and always taking her Bible studies seriously.
In the fall of 2000 she and her friend, Mary Nathaniel, now the Episcopal Priest of Chalkyitsik, Alaska, were nominated to attend Cook Indian Bible College, located in Tempe, Arizona, by Bishop MacDonald of Alaska. She and Mary excelled in their studies and graduated in May 2002.
With an intense desire to honor her Native Dinjii Zhuh K’ya [language], Grace immersed herself in learning to sing traditional hymns, instructed by David Salmon and his daughter-in-law, Minnie Salmon, both from Chalkyitsik, Alaska. Grace and Jude attended the 2022 Gwich’in Gathering (one of many) in Old Crow, Yukon, Canada. During the gathering she enthralled the participants by singing a hymn solo, to enthusiastic audience members. Some of whom afterwards brought out their Chilig [hymnal] to show her and to share cherished and heartfelt memories.
On April 30, 1965, she married Jude Henzler, and together they built a large and loving family. Grace raised their children with unwavering enthusiasm, cheering them on at every sporting event, recital, and milestone.
From the very beginning Grace and Jude traveled extensively, crossing the country with kids in tow, their huge gold station wagon loaded with children and a tarp covered load on top, National Lampoon’s Vacation, has nothing on this family! Then upgrading to a mini-van, allowing them to car camp on many more journeys, from Canada to Florida, then snowbirding, to and from Fairbanks to Mesa, Arizona, before selling their unique earth-sheltered home, and permanently moving to Mesa in the fall of 2022.
Grace was preceded in death by her sons, Ferris and Vernon Henzler; her parents, Lena and Dick George of Stevens Village; her sister, Florence Weber; her brother, Steven George; and her Uncle Esaias George, of whom she was proud to learn had been a member of the Archdeacon Hudson Stuck climbing party of 1913.
Surviving her are her devoted husband Jude; children, Richard, Robert, Jennifer (Rich Nichols), Randall and Michele; grandson, Bodie Nichols; and her sister, Bernice Joseph.
Grace’s powerful prayers, infectious laughter and ability to brighten even the darkest days will forever be remembered.
