Obituary: Robby Henderson

 

Robert "Robby" William Henderson - Cole

February 16, 1979 — July 5, 2025

Osage< MN

Robert “Robby” Henderson-Cole, age 46, of Park Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, after a long and courageous battle with diabetes, heart disease, and kidney failure. A celebration of his life will be from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN, with a time of sharing and remembrance at 4:00 PM. The interment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Osage, MN.

Robby was born on February 16, 1979, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Archie and Elizabeth (Buran) Henderson. Robby attended elementary school in Osage, MN, and later graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1997. He went on to earn his associate’s degree in computer science at Northwest Technical College in Thief River Falls. Robby returned to Osage and worked for NorthStar Orthodontics in Park Rapids. In 2015, he met his future husband, Clarence Cole, and the two settled in Fergus Falls. It was there that Robby’s passion for teaching began after going to work for Lutheran Social Services as a paraprofessional. The couple returned to Osage and Robby resumed his work at NorthStar, where he worked for a total of 13 years. In August of 2018, Robby started work for the Park Rapids High School as a para while also pursuing his teaching certification through online classes at Bemidji State University. Robby experienced one of the happiest days of his life when he and Clarence were united in marriage on September 28, 2019, in a ceremony held at the family farm.

Robby was active in One Act Plays, speech and drama while in high school and more recently helped coach the speech and debate team there to State. In addition, he assisted students in the FFA. For several years he was also involved in the Relay for Life in Park Rapids as well as the Polar Plunge in Bemidji. Robby became a Registered Minister with the Universal Life Church and officiated at 5 weddings for his dear friends. His Halloween costumes were legendary. He made friends with everyone he met. He outlived Betty White, and he loved Batman, pugs, David Sedaris, Amy Sedaris, Glee, Cher and Dolly Parton.

He is survived by his husband, Clarence; siblings, Paul of Osage, MN; Kathy (Ben) of Osage, MN; John of Osage, MN; Mike of Pueblo, CO; and Nickie Branham of Blue Springs, MO; and eight nieces and nephews: Dawn, Sean, Jeremy, Jason, Jacy (Jacob), Aleck, Mason, and Carson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Elizabeth; a brother, Steve; and a sister, Jeri.

He leaves with all of us his sense of humor, his courage, his indomitable spirit and so many, many memories.

Obituary: Linda Henderson

Linda Henderson

March 28, 1946 — October 4, 2024

Detroit Lakes

I was born Linda Kathryn Michels on March 28th, 1946 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to William Nicholas Michels and Loraine (Smith) Michels. The next almost four years were spent three miles north of Osage in a house that provided us shelter, but mostly the opportunity to explore and learn new things. As I followed my sister Sandra Lee, I was discovering bugs in the grass, playing with pet pigs, catching frogs and real skill; learning to use the outhouse. Then, my father got a job in Park Rapids and I was about to have an awakening. I found out that all peers don’t automatically like you or want to be your friend. It was a strange new world. Two years after living in Park Rapids I gained a brother, Daniel Dean and that made me forever a middle child. I received my first 8 years of education at St. Peter’s Catholic School. I was somewhat protected, but received a decent education. I continued my education at Park Rapids High School, where I graduated in 1964. 

Soon after, I married Thomas Paul Henderson on October 30th, 1965. I wouldn’t say it was complete genius to marry this man, so it must have been dumb luck that I got such a wonderful person as a husband. In every way he has supported me and given me care when I needed it. He was loyal, trustworthy, and always kind. Together we raised three lovely children Gail Michele, Marc Thomas and Greg William.

 I volunteered in the Catholic Church for many years. I taught religious education, was Regent for the local Catholic Daughters, was a eucharistic minister and assisted with environmental decor. I also volunteered with Playhouse 412, the local community theater. I served in many capacities. In later years, I volunteered in the elementary schools teaching Art Masters. I am not sure how much information I was able to impart, but I learned a great deal. I always loved learning new things and consequently, I tried a few hobbies. I would give myself a passable grade in Ukranian egg dying, but barely passing in the area of watercolor. In bird watching and identification I was nearly an expert and I was an avid reader. I get a fairly high grade in poetry (enclosed). I tried to think of my most notable achievement and then I laughed. I would have to say that my grandchildren have designated me as the person that is the most amazing floater. They were always shouting, “Look what Grandma’s doing!” They were sure I could float in any position. That may not sound like much, but I had to really put things in perspective when I knew that I was most likely leaving soon. I worked at Rossman Elementary School as a paraprofessional for several years, and there I met wonderful friends.

 A loving farewell to my sister Sandra, to my brother Dan and to his spouse Deb who has been a loving sister to me. Tom’s siblings Jack (Pat) and Rosalie have also been like siblings to me. I suffered the loss of my son Marc in July of 2018. I love you my wonderful children; Gail (loving sweet daughter), Courtney (loving spouse of Marc), Greg (helpful loving son) and Anita (loving spouse of Greg). My sons must have been extra intelligent to choose the two most beautiful women to bring into our family.

 I am so lucky. I couldn’t be more grateful for the marvelous grandchildren that were given to me; Sydney Lauren, Shea Savanna (Makenson), Ella Jean (Aiden), Maddie Paige (Trystin), Blaine Thomas, Reed William and Jaden Loraine. I have spent a good share of my life with them playing games, reading books, swimming, cooking, having tea parties and sharing meatloaf dinners at the end of the school year. Now I have been blessed with the two most beautiful great grandchildren a person could ask for; Rowan Yirmaal (Sydney) and Harriet Mak (Makenson and Shea). 

Farewell to my nieces, nephews and cousins who I always enjoyed spending time with. Farewell also to my Uncle Don Michels and his wife Alice who are my only surviving uncle and aunt. 

I want to say goodbye to all my people. You have provided me with constant and loving care and have treated me with only kindness. I am sorry to all my friends and family that I may have hurt or harmed in any way. I have lived a wonderfully ordinary life; celebrate that with me.

Xaver Aleck History

 Some history.

Xavers name was Xaver not Xavier, it is correct on his tombstone. 

Obituary: 2022

OBITUARY
Janice Marie (Henderson) Zwald

May 29, 1945 — April 21, 2022

Janice Marie (Henderson) Zwald, 76, of Georgetown, Indiana, passed away at home on Thursday, April 21, 2022. She was a graduate of St. Cloud State University and went on to receive her Masters Degree from Indiana University Southeast. Janice had a love for children and devoted 34 years to teaching 2nd or 3rd graders at Clarksville Community Elementary School (Greenacres). She was a member of the Tri Sigma Sorority and 43 year-plus member of Grace Lutheran Church, New Albany, Indiana. Janice enjoyed reading and traveling extensively throughout the world with her husband.

She was born on May 29, 1945 in Omaha, Nebraska to the late Marvin and Evelyn (Abbot) Henderson. When 3 years old, she moved to Park Rapids, Minnesota and graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1963. Janice is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Ronald Zwald; daughter, Bethany Zwald Kern (RJ); and brother, Eugene Henderson (Connie).

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church, (1787 Klerner Lane, New Albany) with her memorial service taking place at 11:00 a.m. Service will be broadcast online at glcna.com or on YouTube. Private burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Greenville, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Janice’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) or the American Cancer Society (900 E. Main Street, Louisville, KY 40206). To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.NewcomerKentuckiana.com.

Biography–Janice Marie Henderson (Zwald). Died 4-21-22 at home with her family-(76) in Georgetown, IN. She was born 5-29-1945 at Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Marvin and Evelyn Henderson. She is survived by her younger brother Eugene Henderson (Connie) of Osage MN, two nieces, and several cousins. Her husband, Ronald Zwald of Ogden, IA & daughter Bethany Zwald Kern(RJ) reside at Georgetown, IN. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in Park Rapids, MN at St. Johns’ Lutheran Church. (5-1-51, 3-22-59, 4-27-68).; She graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1963, and from St Cloud State University in 1967 with an Elementary Ed. degree. She taught Kindergarten one year at Circle Pines in MN. Upon marriage 4-27-68; she then moved to Southern Indiana and taught 2nd and/or 3rd grades for 34 years at Clarksville Community Schools (Green Acres)- She also obtained a MS degree from Indiana University Southeast. Early in marriage there was a stillborn boy and later on 2-13-81, her most important, best, and most cherished forever valentine who was to be named Bethany Alison Zwald arrived. She was also a member of Tri-Sigma Sorority at St. Cloud, MN. She became an official member of Grace Lutheran Church on 12-24-78-(43+ years). She participated in various activities commensurate with and stemming from her strong and predictable amicable manor as related to others and their charitable needs (Especially Children). She also volunteered at Norton’s Children Hospital to hold and comfort newborns who had no one. She could also have been Mrs. Cleavers’ mentor. She particularly enjoyed reading, table games, and exploring new places while traveling extensively to all states and throughout North America, the Caribbean, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and even Kentucky. She enjoyed the outdoors, watersports, South Padre Island, and not fishing too long, if at all. She also enjoyed not playing the clarinet. For her it was always people, peace, and harmony; but, for the just in cases, she also packed a lot of dynamite. Her Minnesota family was extremely important to her. At one week shy of her 54th wedding anniversary she possessed additional hidden treasures yet to be discovered. The motherload always remained. A now nurse, one of her students, closed her eyes last. God loves her and she loved him.

THE CHURCH IS PROVIDING AN ONLINE VIEWING OF THE FUNERAL SERVICE CHECK THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
https://glcna.sermoncloud.com/live
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Vn4JFP_IQP8JQ3f8QwADQ

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Good Information

I found this in a newspaper dated August 1984
Les Enfield recalled the days of the band.

Enfield was a saxophone player and formed a five piece band in the mid 1920's which played at the town hall, as well as at Hubbard and Ponsford.  The other members of the group were Jim Henderson on trombone or violin, Fred Zeller on drums, Charlie Bungo on trumpet and Mrs. Jim Henderson on Piano. Such favorites as "Let me call you sweetheart" and "When you wore a tulip " were popular, and dancing began at 9 PM and  went until 3 or 4 AM.
***********
From James A Henderson (Uncle Jimmy)
He copied these off their stones when we were down there to reunion May 30, 1986

The cemetery is on the old Henderson Farm near Logan Iowa

J.H. Henderson
Died May 14. 1893
Age 76 years 3 mo 4 days

A lowly follower of the Lord above
While here on earth his soul on heaven was bent
His words was kindness his deeds were love
His spirit humble and life well spent
These, These and not this stone shall be his monument


T. J. Henderson 1865 - 1935
A son of J.H Henderson and Elizabeth


Elizabeth Henderson
Wife of J. H. Henderson
Died June 16, 1894
Age 74 years 3 mo 15 days

She is gone to worlds above
where saints and angels meet
To serve our Saviors love
and worship at his feet

Henderson Cemetery near Logan Iowa

Farm Diary: September 1929

September 1 Sunday Went to Dads and Frances a little while, Franks, Tillies, Dad, Albert, Earnests, Chets, Minnie here in afternoon
September 2 Franks went home Tillie here she went on home Sept 6th
September 8 Sunday Lauras + Minnie here went up to the lake
September 9 Marvin started to school in PR Lauras went home, rainy

Farm Diary : August 1929

August 12 Frances came + got Mama + took her to Emma's Jim working on the cesspool

Then there are some entries out of order.
Sunday 4th went up to the lake sold some sweet corn this week.

Then there are these entries I think Grandma Tracie means August not July

July 11 Sunday had Ice Cream went to church
July 12 Monday  Took Mother to the bus she went home got a telephone  that Mable Stuve died. Awful dry sold almost $50. of sweet corn. 
August 25 Sunday Went to see Mama she is awful sick
August 29 Emmas phoned that Mama died.   Jim and I went up there, came home after supper
August 30 Friday worked here at home, Harley here Laura and her children came in the eve
August 31 Saturday Jim helped dig the grave, Mama funeral in the afternoon Franks + Tillies,  here overnight.