Henry J. Fox

MIDDLETON – Henry J. Fox, age 82, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2015, with his loving family by his side.   Henry was born on November 7, 1932, in Fond du Lac,  the son of Henry Rudolph Fox and Mary Marlea Boland.  He grew up on the family farm where he helped to deliver milk door-to-door.Henry graduated from St. Mary's Springs Academy in 1950 and served two years in the United States Army. He returned home to further his education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, before moving to Madison where he attended the UW-Madison.  Henry owned and operated the Tastee Freez at 2809 University Avenue, Madison.  He worked hard to build his customer base, by staying open from 6:30 am to 2:00 am daily, serving free coffee and doughnuts all day on Friday, and offering several opening specials.  The Tastee Freez eventually expanded to include seating and became known as Henry's Restaurant, serving breakfast and daily specials, a good cup of coffee, cake doughnuts and grill foods, all at a reasonable price.    Henry's provided an outlet for local artists to display their talents and also provided catering services to several local facilities/events.   Henry's was frequented by many people throughout the years, who looked forward to visiting with Henry where they came for good food, conversation and fun.  One particular customer was Carol, a fun-loving, outgoing woman, who liked teasing Henry, who was quite shy.  On October 4, 1971, he married Carol Premeau and they had one child, Amy who was born on March 21, 1972.  Amy joined her step-sister Gina Kuse, and the family all helped out at Henry's.  Henry also purchased the "American Lunch" and "The Ice Cream Shop" which he operated for a few years.  After selling Henry's Restaurant, he started American Maintenance, a carpet cleaning and floor maintenance business, eventually switching to general cleaning where he worked until his retirement in 2012.  Henry valued the simple pleasures in life, his greatest joy was spending time with his  family, friends,  and many customers.  He enjoyed politics, collecting coins, and having a burger and a merlot at Smokey's Club. He will be best remembered for his kindness, generosity and compassion as a man with a strong faith and love for God who was always there to help anyone in need.He is survived by his daughter Amy (Dan) Ramsey, granddaughter Maggie Fox, step-daughter Gina Kuse (Madison) and granddaughter Levi Kuse (Florida), and siblings, Robert Fox, Elizabeth Patterson, Patricia Colton, all of Fond du Lac and Joan Coyle of New York.  He was preceded in death by his parents,  his loving wife Carol, brother David Fox, two sisters, Jeanette and Ruth Ann, and one of his closest nieces Kathy Coyle of New York.  A Celebration of Life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave, Middleton at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, with military rites accorded and a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service.  Friends may call on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Following Henry's wishes, a second Celebration of his Life will be held at one of his favorite places:  Smoky's Club, 3005 University Ave, Madison on Sunday, September 27, 2015 from Noon until 3 p.m., for a time a sharing, fellowship and refreshments