Pestka served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, judge, and a Kent County commissioner.
After World War II, Henry relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he started a real estate business.
He then attended Grand Rapids Community College and graduated from the University of Michigan.
Pestka received his Juris Doctor degree from the Michigan State University College of Law.
[2] After law school, Pestka became Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Kent County, Michigan.