1987 Henry Lex 2 Milwaukee.gifHenry Lex was raised in the West Allis-West Milwaukee area and graduated from West Milwaukee High School in 1947. While at West Milwaukee, he wrestled for 4 years and placed second in the WIAA State tournament in 1947 at 145 pounds. He was team captain his senior year. His high school coach was Lester Leahy.

Henry attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. There was not a wrestling program his fist year. Coach Larry Lederman organized a program and Henry earned an 11-1-0 record his first year of competition. He then transferred to Madison and wrestled under George Martin two years, 1950 and 1951 in which Henry was a State AAU champion at 155 pounds.

After teaching 8 years in the West Milwaukee School system, he became the head coach at West Milwaukee High School in 1962. He remained as head coach until 1977. while at the smallest school in the conference, (Waukesha 2000+, West Milwaukee 600) he produced 9 individual conference champions.

Henry was instrumental in the starting of a wrestling program in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District's junior high schools in 1970. He coached at the junior high levels at West Allis Horace Mann from 1970 until 1982. Henry retired from teaching in 1984. Since 1982, he has coached in the middle school program in the district and has continued after retiring from teaching.

In addition to his school-connected wrestling activities, he was active in the old "Wrestling of Wisconsin" youth program, has been a member of the State AAU Wrestling Committee for 27 years (1960-87) which includes membership on the steering committee for the organization. He has been active in the Sears Junior Olympic wrestling program since it was started in 1975, which includes being the chairman (1981-87) in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

Over 4 decades have seen involvement in wrestling by Henry Lex. He has wrestled, coached, contributed to, and promoted wrestling. He has officiated both folkstyle and freestyle.

Obituary - Henry "Coach" Lex 

Lex, Henry "Coach" Completed his final lesson plan on September 1, 2016 at the age of 86. Loving husband of the late Nancy (nee Zagar). Devoted father of Randy and Tim. Brother to the late Arlene, Frank and Lucile. Further survived by brother Louie, loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives, many dear friends and students. After graduating from West Milwaukee High School, Henry attended UW-Madison, earning his teaching degree. After graduation, Henry returned to his alma mater, WEMI High, as a teacher and coach, becoming a member of the Wisconsin Wrestling Coach's Hall of Fame. His interests in his students and the outdoors led Henry to sponsor the WEMI High Outdoor Sports Club. Henry enjoyed most forms of outdoor activities, including multiple daily walks with his dogs, camping, canoeing, wind surfing and especially down-hill skiing at the Porkies. Following retirement from teaching, Henry worked at Enercon Industries and Layton Terrace. A memorial visitation will be held at Hartson Funeral Home at 11111 W. Janesville Rd. Hales Corners, WI 53130 on Friday, September 9, 2016 from 4 PM to 6 PM with eulogies at 6 PM.

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Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sept. 7, 2016 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jsonline/obituary.aspx?n=henry-lex-coach&pid=181320205&fhid=8537#sthash.H0Qn6CXU.dpuf