Henry Fleckenstein

Henry A Fleckenstein, Jr. died peacefully December 12, 2014, age 74, with his family by his side. The last several years of his life was a challenge which he faced without a complaint, bitterness or regret. Instead he maintained his love of life, of nature, of family and friends and God.
Henry lived a full and rewarding life. He served in the US Army with the 101st Airborne as a Paratrooper from 1960 - 1964. Among his accomplishments were the books he wrote: Decoys of the Mid-Atlantic Region, 1979, American Factory Decoys, 1980, Shorebird Decoys, 1980, New Jersey Decoys, 1983,and Southern Decoys, 1983. He also illustrated Ward Brothers Decoys and Pioneer Decoy Carvers. He was a contributing author to Chesapeake Bay Decoy Carvers and the Men Who Made Them. In addition to his books, he has written numerous auction catalogues, provided photography and illustrations to numerous sporting publications.
Henry was participant at the Easton Waterfowl Festival from its beginning and was one of the first elected to the Water Fowl Festival Hall of fame where he was acknowledged for his expertise and knowledge of decoys as well as his commitment to promoting appreciation of this true American art form.
For many years he consulted with the Have de Grace Decoy Museum of Have de Grace, Md. as well as the Ward Museum in Salisbury, Md. and the Shelbourn Museum in Vermont. He has made contributions of his photography and decoys to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Museum in Williamsburg, Va. and the Mariners Museum in Newport News, Va.
In 1994 Henry was invited to speak at the prestigious Mid-West Birding Symposium where he shared the stage with Roger Tory Peterson. Meeting Mr. Peterson could have only been topped by meeting his favorite bird artist, Louis Agassiz Fuertes, now they can join together in the glory of their passions.
With birds and decoys being his passion, the loves of his life were his God, his family and friends and his dogs. He leaves behind to celebrate his life, his wife, of 22 years, Pam, his daughter Kate Fleckenstein Mack and son-in-law Devin, his sons Joshua Henry Fleckenstein, Taylor Andrew Applegarth, John B Bowen, Ryan B Bowen and daughter-in-law Sara Bowen, his brother Charles Fleckenstein, nephews Justin, Jeremy & Jeffery, nieces Sandy & Debbie Harris. His grandchildren Oliver Henry Mack, Arcadia Immanuel -Applegarth and Sibyl Immanuel-Applegarth and his beloved dogs J.S. Mosby and Butterball.
He was predeceased by his parents and the best dog ever, Jubal Lee.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 18, 2014 beginning 11:00 a.m. at St. Marys Refuge of Sinners Catholic Church with Celebrant William Lawler.
Family will receive friends the hour prior to service.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Henry's name can be made to one's favorite charity.
Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge.
To share memories and send online condolences please visit www.newcombcollins.com