Henry W. Ehrle, 87, of Independence, passed away on Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, 2026.  Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein. Services will also be held at Geilenfeld-Buehner on Saturday and begin at 10:30am with Pastor Duane Olsen officiating.  Interment to follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein.  A memorial fund has been established.

Henry William Ehrle was Born in Amana, Iowa on April 10, 1939 to parents Carl Fred and Lucille Rose(Puenger) Ehrle.  He attended school in the Amana Colonies.  As a young man he worked in the Amana Woolen Mills.  He later moved to Cedar Rapids where he established a career working at Iowa Manufacturing Company until his retirement.

Henry met Isabelle Lujan in 1983 and on July 22, 1983, the two were married in Cedar Rapids. Henry, having no children of his own, became the beloved stepfather to Isabelle's 5 children as well as grandfather to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come.  Henry and Isabelle remained together until her passing in October of 2021.

Henry was a unique individual and an extremely talented artist, well-known for his whimsical drawings. He would often draw on note cards and present his art to friends and family, delighting adults and children alike. Henry was affectionately nick-named "Hamster" by his stepchildren and the name stuck with him for the rest of his days.

Left to celebrate Henry's life are his children; Teresa (Gary) Daugherty of Port Ludlow, WA, Brian (Danette) Lujan of Hazleton, Bruce (Remy) Lujan of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Ted (Shelley) Lujan of West Union; His many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 3 brothers: Ron (Marilyn) of Cedar Rapids, Gary (Christy) of Clear Lake, Steve (Shirley) of Marion, and sister Nancy (Jim) of Center Point; 3 nephews and 4 nieces.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Isabelle, daughter; Patricia "Patti" Lujan, 2 nephews, and a great-granddaughter.