Jefferson HS Wrestler And Coach Henry Orton, 77, Dies From Stroke Leaving His Family Behind

Henry Orton’s death is mourned by a close-knit family that cherishes his lifelong impact.

Henry William Orton, a beloved Cedar Rapids resident and Vietnam War veteran, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 77.

The longtime postal service supervisor succumbed to complications following a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and unwavering family devotion.

The circumstances surrounding Henry’s final days revealed the health challenges he had faced for years.

His sister, Kathy Macey, shared that Henry suffered a stroke approximately one week before his death, which led to his admission to St. Luke’s Hospice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The stroke proved to be the final health setback for a man who had battled the long-term effects of Agent Orange exposure from his military service in Vietnam.

Henry’s health struggles traced back to his combat service with the 1st Cavalry, Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.

The Purple Heart recipient had endured years of health complications stemming from what his sister described as “a major Agent Orange dousing” during his military service.

Despite these challenges, the Department of Veterans Affairs provided excellent care throughout his later years, including in-home nursing visits that helped maintain his quality of life.

The Cedar Rapids native had seemed stable just weeks before his passing.

Kathy Macey recalled speaking with her brother two weeks before his death, noting that “he seemed fine” during their conversation.

This sudden turn of events shocked family members who had maintained regular contact with Henry throughout his illness.

Family Mourns the Death of Henry Orton

Henry Orton leaves behind a close-knit family that celebrates both his accomplishments and the profound impact he made on their lives.

The family structure reflects the deep bonds Henry maintained throughout his 77 years, with relationships that spanned multiple generations and demonstrated his commitment to being both a father figure and mentor.

His immediate survivors include his sister Kathy Macey, who shared an exceptionally close relationship with Henry.

The siblings, born only 11 months apart, maintained a protective bond that began in childhood and continued throughout their adult lives.

Kathy fondly remembered how Henry served as her “big-brother protector,” recalling specifically how he rushed to the hospital when she nearly lost her life in a 1964 automobile accident, becoming the first family member to check on her condition.

Henry’s sons carry forward his legacy through their own families. Matt Orton, married to Shannon, and Chris Orton, married to Lisa, both honor their father’s memory while raising the next generation.

The family also includes Andrew Hanson, whom Henry considered his son.

The grandchildren Henry cherished include Hunter (married to Tedde), Riley, Sophia, Alexandra, Boston, and Maveryk.

Family members noted that Henry took immense pride in sharing his grandchildren’s accomplishments with others, reflecting his deep investment in their success and happiness.

His quiet strength and quirky humor became defining characteristics that his grandchildren will remember and carry forward.

Rather than holding a traditional visitation, the family chose to honor Henry’s memory with a Celebration of Life that reflected his personality and values.

The gathering took place at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom in Cedar Rapids, specifically in their Private Event Room, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, June 20th.

This venue choice aligned with Henry’s approachable nature and his preference for creating warm, welcoming environments where people could share stories and memories.

The celebration invitation encouraged friends and loved ones to participate in remembering “a life well lived—a man who loved, worked hard, laughed often, and never missed a good game.”

The family chose to conclude Henry’s obituary with a quote from legendary football coach Vince Lombardi: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Henry was a 1966 graduate of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, where he was born and raised.
• In addition to being a successful wrestler himself, Henry later coached wrestling at Jefferson High School, giving back to his alma mater.
• Beyond his love for fast-pitch softball mentioned in the article, Henry also had a deep passion for baseball throughout his life.