Henry Bachrach originally from Decatur, Illinois passed away June 6, 2025 in Naples Florida at the age of 108.
Edgar Henry Bachrach (Henry) was born October 24, 1916 in Decatur, IL to Edgar Henry (Edgar) Bachrach and Gertrude Millhauser Bachrach. He was the older brother of Gloria B. Goldman Rosenstein. Henry was the grandson of Henry Bachrach (Cheap Charley) who
founded the Bachrach clothing store in Decatur in 1877.
Henry attended Mary W. French grade school, Roosevelt Junior High School, and Stephen De catur High School where he served as class president both junior and senior year. He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated in December of 1939.
In late 1940 he joined the US Army and soon enrolled in Officers Candidate School. Most of his army career was spent in the 3rd armored division as a captain in various tank companies. In 1944 he was assigned to a company operating newly devised amphibious tanks and was
transferred to Fort Ord in California and was training for a manned assault on Japan when World War II ended in August of 1945.
While at Fort Ord, Henry was introduced to Elizabeth (Betty) Baer who he quickly married. They returned to Decatur in October of 1945 and he resumed work at the Bachrach men’s clothing store.
Over the next 35 years, as the president and CEO of Bachrach Clothing, Henry developed numerous innovative business strategies and capabilities that grew the business into a nationwide retailer of contemporary men’s fashions.
In the 1950s Henry and Betty traveled the world as part of an interest in big game hunting. He hunted in Wyoming, Alaska, Africa (4 times), Colombia, and Vietnam. The Bachrachs developed a narrated film of their 1956 trip to Africa that they presented to civic groups throughout Central Illinois.
In 1979 Henry retired from the business succeeded by his son Edgar. His retirement in Florida was filled with travel, fishing and boating, golf, and an active social life.
Henry was a charming and vital personality attracting the affection of all he encountered. He loved and was dearly beloved by his family.
He is survived by his son Edgar of Chicago, daughters Barbara James (Ronald James) of Glenview, IL, and Sally Robinson of Boca Raton, FL. Also survived by eight grandchildren Jennifer J. Stott, Jarrod James, Jacquie J. Wahlstrom, Christopher Robinson, Rachel Keith, Edgar (Ted) Bachrach, Kristen High, and Laurie Bachrach, along with 19 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife (2014) and sister Gloria.
Interment will be at the Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, IL. There will be private graveside service for family only. Please no flowers or donations. A public celebration of life is planned for the near future in Decatur.
Bob Goldman
June 8, 2025, 7:44 pm
Am very sorry to hear of the death of Uncle Henry. He was a leader of the clan and a visionary and he always had time for for everybody no matter who they were. He will be missed.
Alan M.
June 11, 2025, 4:59 pm
I am sorry to learn of the passing of Uncle Henry. He had a long and wonderful life and I have very fond memories of his visits to Baltimore and his appetite for seafood. My thoughts are with the family.
Kirk Corsello
June 11, 2025, 10:14 pm
Christopher Ryan Robinson your grandfather was a legend! 108 years of spreading wisdom & knowledge. I would call him “ a mans man”! That military service.