Henry Joseph Netzer, 73

Henry Joseph Netzer, Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.), 73, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 15, 2026. He was born April 19, 1952, in Atlanta, Ga., to Donald Leo and Bernadette (Brazeau) Netzer. 

His earthly life, now complete, serves as a model of what C.S. Lewis called “long obedience in a straight line.” Geographically, he was born in Atlanta, raised in Wisconsin, served in Hawaii, matured in Connecticut, multiplied in Idaho, and now rejoices in Heaven. Regardless of the location or station, Henry took the concept of duty seriously. As a submarine officer in the Navy, Blue and Gold Officer, and on the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee. As a husband to his wife, Jeanne, for 51 years. As a father and grandfather to his three kids and 12 grandkids. And as a Christian, to show the love of Christ to countless others. He faithfully executed the duties of all of those “offices.” The only thing he didn’t take seriously was himself. He would often don costumes, including wigs and fake tattoos, to bring joy and laughter. He was the king of dad jokes before that became a thing, always ready with a corny one-liner. 

Henry approached everything with care, preparation, and intention. Whether planning a family gathering, writing a note of encouragement, or quietly showing up to help someone in need, he did so thoughtfully and without fanfare. He didn’t seek attention, but when he was called on to speak — at a child’s wedding, a niece’s or nephew’s ceremony, or a Naval event — he prepared diligently, spoke clearly, and made sure the focus stayed where it belonged: on the people being honored and the moment being celebrated.

He often said, after retirement, “I have a lot of time, but I don’t have a lot of time left.” In the time he did have, he lived every moment with heaven in mind, exemplifying Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” As we celebrate his life, we are thankful for the time we had with him, encouraged to live the rest of our lives in the example he set, and hopeful for our joyous reunion. 

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; kids: Carolyn (Jhar), Andy (Ashley) and Mike (Veronica); grandkids: Will, Kellie, Bryce, Leilani, Evangeline, Soleil, Bru, Isla, Brooks, Elliott, Shepard and Scout; siblings: Don (Charlene), Mary (Gary), Phil (Steph), John (Pam) and Julie. 

Please join the family for a Memorial Service on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Anthem Hayden Church, 251 W Miles Ave. Hayden, ID 83835. There will be a reception following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to your favorite charity in Henry’s name. 

Please visit Henry’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.