Henry August Elfers

Nags Head – Henry Elfers proudly hailed from Brooklyn, New York. It was the place of his birth on May 18, 1930. He was the only son and the eldest child of Emil (Frederick) and Edna Elfers. Years later, his kid sister Dorothy, who proceeded him in death, was born.

In 1960, Henry married the widowed Doris Vogel nee (Bruner) and became an instant father to William J. Vogel, III, David Scott Vogel, and Richard Allan Vogel. Three years later, his son James Edward Elfers was born followed a year later by the arrival of his youngest, Lissa Beth Elfers. Henry was a loving and dutiful father who inspired love and devotion among his children and grandchildren.

For over forty years Henry was employed by Ametek International, an aerospace firm. In one of those stories that used to happen regularly in America, Henry began his sojourn in their factory sweeping the floors. By the time he retired, Henry was the only man on the planet performing his job, calibrating the most essential component for EVERY 747 manufactured in the world. He was proud of his work and was highly valued by his employer.

A few years before his retirement, Henry met Janet Rose Macfie, it was without question a match made in heaven. Janet and Henry provided love to each other that their previous lives lacked. Often described as “two peas in a pod” Henry and Janet were inseparable. Before health issues sidelined Janet, the couple delighted in visiting relatives, taking cruises, and dancing and dining. However, not even health issues sidelined them for long, Both were cancer survivors who lived every moment to its fullest.

After relocating to the Outer Banks, Henry and Janet became active members of Grace Lutheran Church. Their combined families visited them often and their home in Manteo was always a place of laughter and joy. Janet and Henry combined their families with remarkable grace and love, There was no division, her kids were his kids and his kids were her kids. The laughter and joy went with them when the couple moved to Peak Fitness in Nags Head.

Janet passed away on February 27th, 2016 taking the light out of Henry’s life. In some ways, it is not surprising that he so quickly followed Janet into life’s next great adventure, they did everything together and are, once again, united.

In accordance with Henry’s wishes there are no services planned.    Expressions of sympathy are welcome on the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.