Henry Anthony Pictor passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 9, 2024. He was preceded in death by
his wife, Linda, his parents Henry and Thyra, and his siblings, Susan Hecimovich, John Pictor, and
Joseph Pictor.
In life, there was no harder working man than Henry. He wore many hats throughout the years, as a
Marine, a lawyer, and the Circuit Court Judge of Ripley County- occupations to which he dedicated
countless hours and much discipline. One job at a time was never enough though, and as an altruistic
spirit, he filled the rest of his hours volunteering and giving back to the community. He participated in
many clubs and committees, including the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, the hospital foundation, school
boards, and many more. He also did pro bono work for clients including the Sisters of Saint Francis. Yes,
the man worked hard, and he gave of himself, always. He still continues to give after death, by being an
organ donor.
Henry was a man of great faith. He attended Saint Louis Parish, where he participated in the church choir
for over 25 years. While he was passionate and truly enjoyed singing, he really graced the congregation
with his memorable baritone as a reader at mass. His reading at Midnight Mass will always be
remembered fondly. Henry, along with his wife, Linda, also kept an adoration hour every Wednesday
since the addition of the Adoration Chapel over 20 years ago. He prayed the Rosary daily, and led the
Rosary at St. Andrews, where he lived out his final days.
In addition to all of the jobs and volunteering, somehow Henry was able to find still a few more hours each
day for his friends and family. On many a Saturday or Sunday Henry could be seen walking 18 holes at
Hillcrest Golf Course, and each year he and his best buds, sons, and eventually grandsons journeyed
north for their annual fishing trip in Canada. He was blessed with 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 2
great-grandchildren who shared so many of his wide variety of interests. He found so much joy hosting
holidays surrounded by as many family members as would fit in his home, building crackling fires in a
handsome fireplace, watching rosy cheeks get rosier while he circulated the room topping off any whiskey
sour that looked too low. From running the mini marathon alongside children and grandchildren, to eating
tailgate picnics at Music Hall before the Cincinnati Opera or sharing a love of literature by reading aloud
and giving away cherished editions of classics, to giving many of us the thrill of catching our first fish-
there was never a shortage in teachable moments and enrichment activities with Grandpa Hank.
While each of Henry’s children and grandchildren have their own cherished memories of him, and this
doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the accomplishments and talents he shared with the world, we can
all agree that he made the best gingerbread cookies (molasses men), could bale hay with the best of
them, loved a sweet treat after dinner, and always had a project. Henry is survived by siblings Thyra
Fulayter, Ann Pictor, Ginny Pictor, and Tom Pictor, his 5 children: Janna (John) Irrgang, James (Amy)
Pictor, Amy Pictor, Daniel (Sue) Pictor and Katie Martin, his 14 grandchildren: Sarah Irrgang (Rory
Frazee), Mary Kate (Gordon) Lang, Rachel (Rex) Clements, William (Savanna) Pictor, Anna Pictor, Ethan
Frederick (Mimi Pham), Evan Frederick, Cole Pictor, Lauren Pictor, Ben Martin, Margaret Martin,
Elizabeth Martin, Brigid Martin, Gemma Martin, 2 great-grandchildren: Frances Lang and Nellie Clements.
Ending this obituary is a nearly impossible task. That is because while Hank is no longer with us, this is
not where he ends. His legacy of hard work, love of family, and living life to the fullest will continue to live
on forever. You can rest in peace now, Henry – yours was a life well lived and a job very well done.
Visitation is Sunday, January 14 th , from 1 – 4 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A Mass of
Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 15 th , at St. Louis Catholic Church in
Batesville, with Fr. Suresh Ganta officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery with military
graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and the Prell-
Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Louis
School or the Oldenburg Academy. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.