


Obituary of Henry L. Countryman
Henry Lee “Hank” Countryman, of Joliet, IL, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at StoryPoint Memory Care, Romeoville with his loving wife by his side from complications with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and the COVID-19 vaccine. Born on September 25, 1947, in Joliet, he was the son of the late Paul and Margaret (nee Calhoun) Countryman.
Henry is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Jacklyn “Jackie” Countryman (nee Carlson) of Joliet; his loving daughter, Tamura “Tammy” (Mick) Geiss of Wilmington; three devoted step-sons, Scott (Michelle) Koca of Minooka, Kevin (Cathy) Koca of Mokena, and John Koca of Joliet; four adoring grandsons, Travis, Dillon (Ashley), Shane, and Blake (Samantha) Geiss; two step-grandchildren, Griffin Koca and Camden Koca; three dear great-grandchildren, Alyson Gaffield, Karson and Kannon Geiss; four brothers, Paul I. Countryman, Charles F. Countryman, Floyd W. (Joann) Countryman, and Walter V. Countryman; sister-in-law, Shelby (the late Gary) Cole; and ex-wife, Sally Tatroe.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clarence, Robert, Ralph, Thomas, Calvin, and Ed; one sister, Arlene Greer; and ex-wife, Charlene DeBoard.
Hank grew up in Wilmington, IL, and graduated from Wilmington High School Class of 1967. He went on to proudly serve his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War, stationed at CanTho 9th Infantry US Division attaining the rank of SP5. After returning home, he worked for the US Postal Service for over 31 years.
Hank was a self-made man and a man of few words. More than anything, he loved being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed attending his grandsons’ baseball and football games. Traveling to Cooperstown Dreams Park, NY with the Wilmington Wildcats Travel Baseball Team was a highlight in his life.
He was a member of Cantigny Post 367 VFW, Joliet. He was a lifelong musician playing guitar, bass guitar, fiddle, and singing in several local bands, most notably Boot Hill and Midnite Rodeo. He played all his music by ear just from hearing a song. His deep voice and musical talent came from the heart. He loved attending Country Music concerts, with Waylon Jennings being his favorite Country artist. Hank enjoyed traveling with Jackie around the US but especially one trip to Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, several Royal Caribbean Cruises, and group trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica with the Beach Party Crazies. He enjoyed sports and was a big fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox. Hank was thankful for his health after beating prostate cancer in April of 2023 and ringing the cancer-free bell at Advanced Urology in Joliet.
The Countryman family would like to thank the kind, caring, and loving medical staff, caregivers, and everyone at StoryPoint Memory Care, Romeoville where we became “family.” Also, the excellent care and kindness of everyone at Dover Hospice of Joliet who gave him the beautiful handmade quilt which he appreciated with the Cubs team logo pattern (even though he was a loyal Sox fan). Jackie would especially like to thank Stephanie and David Nelson’s Fine Jewelry in Joliet for having her wedding rings repaired and ready in time for services.
Friends and family will meet Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Visitor’s Center at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood, IL at 10:40 a.m. for the 11:00 a.m. Military Honors and Committal Service. As it was his request, cremation rites were accorded.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
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