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.

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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Obituaries 2019

Steven "Chip" James Henderson

( February 11, 1948 - February 27, 2019 )

Steven "Chip" James Henderson, 71, Polo, Mo., formerly of Minnesota and California, passed away at his home on February 27, 2019.
Steven was born on February 11, 1948, in Minneapolis, MN., to Archie Blair Henderson and Jean Lorraine Stevens.  He graduated from high school in Park Rapids, MN, and attended college earning certification in mechanical engineering.  He worked in the past repairing press equipment and also for a water department.
He was a veteran and honorably served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.  Steven was also a member of the VFW in Polo.
He was preceded in death by his mother; step-father-Richard Langdon; step-mother-Elizabeth Henderson; sister-Jere Langdon; and a grandson.
Survivors:  Father-Archie Henderson, Osage, MN.; Sister-Nicolette Lee Branham, Blue Springs, MO.; 4 step-brothers-Paul David Henderson, John Henderson, and Robbie Henderson, all of Osage, MN.; and Mike Henderson, Colorado; 1 step-sister-Kathy, who lives in Australia; Daughter-Dawn Farrell, New York; 1 grandson; 1 great-grandson; and cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Cremation entrusted to Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton, Mo.
An Inurnment Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Higginsville, Mo.

Stevie   High School Graduation

Stevie in Minnesota 2008

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  Archie B. Henderson

July 6, 1929 - April 19, 2019

    Archie Henderson, 89, of Osage, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2019 at 9:43 PM in his lifelong home on the family farm.

    Archie Blair Henderson was born July 6, 1929 on the family farm in Osage, the son of James and Theresa (Stuve) Henderson. He was raised on the farm with his three older brothers, Marvin, Ronald and Jim. Following high school graduation, Archie entered the United States Air Force where he traveled the world and served his country for the next 23 years with pride. Archie served various positions in the Air Force but his proudest was being a navigator on a B-52. His service included the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.

    During his time in the military, Archie married his first wife and had three children before their divorce. He later met and married Elizabeth Buran in 1962. They lived in multiple states before retiring from the service and making the family farm their home, where they raised 5 children of their own before her passing.

    Archie found love again and married Helen (Longfors) Coats in 2004. They enjoyed spending time together and many activities. He was involved with the American Legion Post 212, Osage Lions Club, Wolf Lake VFW, Osage Sportsman’s Club, Retired Military Club, Osage Township Board and the Lake Country Scenic Byways Committee.

    Throughout Archie’s life, he was always on the go, whether it be working in the fields, hunting, fishing, teaching, driving a potato truck, attending car shows with his 1969 Ford Mustang, gardening, community projects and volunteering while socializing with everyone he met. Later in his life, he also enjoyed sharing his past experiences with younger generations. Archie was a man of great faith as a member, treasurer and elder of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Snellman, MN.

    He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Nicolette Branham, Katherine Field (Ben Curnuck); sons, Paul Henderson, John Henderson, Michael (Susan) Henderson and Robby Henderson (Clarence Cole); sons-in-law, Aarne (Cindy) Coats, Bob (Carla) Coats; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

    He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth; his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law; son, Steve Henderson; and daughter, Jere Langdon; 2 daughters-in-law; a son-in-law: and a great-grandson.

    Archie’s family would like to express their gratitude for and extend heartfelt thanks to Jessica, Darlene and the dedicated staff and volunteers of CHI St. Joseph's Hospice.

Archie Memorial Day 2016

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2018 Obituary

Marc was the son of Tom and Linda, Grandson of Ronald and Beryl, Great Grandson of Jim and Tracie

Marc Thomas Henderson, 50, Detroit Lakes, MN, died Sunday, July 29 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 10 at 4pm in Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Detroit Lakes.  Visitation will start at 2:30 and continue until the time of Mass.  Following Mass all are invited for pizza, fellowship and story sharing in the St. John’s Hall at Holy Rosary.   At 8:15pm all are invited to the Henderson residence for a paper lantern send-off in memory of Marc.

Marc Thomas Henderson was born June 4, 1968 in Wheaton, MN to Thomas and Linda (Michels) Henderson. Marc was two years old when his family moved to Detroit Lakes.  He attended school in Detroit Lakes graduating with the class of 1986.  A high school teacher of Marc’s once said, “Marc doesn’t need to worry about his future, he’s going to make it on his personality and great smile”.   After high school, he attended St. John’s University where he met Courtney Johnson.  Marc and Courtney were united in marriage December 2, 1989 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes.   In 1991, they welcomed their first daughter, Sydney Lauren. In 1994, Marc graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in elementary education. In August of that year, they welcomed their second daughter, Shea Savanna. Marc accepted his first teaching job in Red Lake. He later taught at Pine Point and then Frazee. In 2001, while teaching in Frazee, they welcomed their third daughter, Madison Paige.   Marc went back to school to complete his middle school endorsement in science and math.  In 2003, he was hired by the Detroit Lakes Middle School, teaching earth science and was now two doors down from his wife, Courtney. They spent the last 15 years teaching together. Marc always said he and Courtney had the perfect life…three beautiful daughters, a job working with his wife and the whole family on the same school schedule. In 2008, Marc completed his Master’s in Education through Hamline University.    For 23 years, Marc taught elementary and middle school students and impacted the lives of thousands of students. In March of 2017, he gained a son as Sydney and Gabriel were united in marriage. He was also blessed with three beautiful grandchildren:  Leah, Leala and Rowan. Marc treasured his family time and found such joy in nature, from hunting, fishing, camping, to spending time at the lake. His family was truly his pride and joy. Most men wouldn’t feel “at home” raising three girls, but Marc raised three beautiful women with ease. He was the unbiased listener and the glue that kept his family machine working so well. Over the last two years of his sickness, Marc never complained.  He said, “I feel it is my job to be a role model for kids at school and at home. I want to show that you can be dignified and graceful even in adversity”. His sense of humor, smile, and personality radiated to all those he met.  His love for teaching wasn’t just in the classroom. You would often find him teaching, not only his girls, but also other kids about hunting, fishing and enjoying nature. His love for music was evident, as Marc would constantly sing songs, often changing the lyrics to create his own parodies at the drop of a hat.  He was always jamming in the car while playing the drums on the steering wheel. He loved to wake up his girls with songs like; “Ballroom Blitz”, “Panama” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me”. If he didn’t feel like singing he was a trumpet or saxophone player at the crack of dawn in their rooms. The simplest things in life were what Marc treasured the most, from a walk in the woods, to having coffee in the backyard with his family. Marc will be forever loved by his wife, Courtney, along with his three daughters: Sydney (Gabriel) Maanibe, Shea Henderson and Maddie Henderson and his three beautiful grandchildren whom he adored: Leah, Leala and Rowan. Marc is also survived by his parents Tom and Linda Henderson, one sister:  Gail Henderson and her daughter Jaden, one brother: Greg (Anita) Henderson and their kids Ella, Blaine and Reed, brother and sister-in-law: Shaun and Mary Johnson and their kids Katarina, Genevieve and Serafina, brother and sister-in-law: Todd (Sabrina) Johnson and their kids Amarjit and Anton and his father and mother-in-law:  Terry (Audrey) Johnson.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ron Henderson and Beryl Mickelson, step-grandfather, Jay Mickelson and grandparents, Bill and Loraine Michels.

In lieu of cut-flowers, Marc requested perennials, trees and shrubs that could eventually be planted throughout the community.

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2016 Obituaries

David Larson died he was married Rosalie Henderson, Ronald and Beryl’s daughter.

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Later in the summer Kimberly Larson died.  Kim was Ronald and Beryl Henderson’s Granddaughter

Obituaries 2011

Chuck Hawkins died January 16, 2011.   He was a son of Earl and Marie Hawkins and Grandson of Rubert and Emma Hawkins.

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Obituaries 2008 to 2010

Esther Hansen Henderson died December 9, 2010

Esther December 2009

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Obituaries 2007

Beryl Gilpin Henderson Mickelson died  on September 1, 2007.  She was the wife of Ronald Henderson.

 

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James A. Henderson died November 27, 2007. 

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Obituaries 2006

Evelyn Mae Abbott Henderson died on March 11, 2006.  She was the wife of Marvin Stuve Henderson.

Evelyn died early one morning in the nursing home, her daughter Janice, and daughter in law Connie were at her side.   She struggled with health problems the last few months of her life all problems due to old age and her body wearing out.

Paige, Madison, Evelyn, Trica Henderson De La Hunt and Savannah

Gene Henderson, Evelyn, Jennifer Henderson Dahlen and Adam  2004

Obituaries 2001 to 2005

Orville Hawkins died May 11, 2005 He was a son of Emma and Rubert Hawkins, a nephew of Tracie’s.

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Obituaries 1998 to 2000

Mike Lester died February 19. 1998.  He was  Sally (Sarah) Wall Lester’s husband.  Son in law of Hazel Aleck Wall  (Cousin of the Henderson’s)

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Jay Mickelson died  October 8, 2000.  He was Beryl Gilpin Henderson Mickelson’s husband.

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Obituaries 1997

 

Charlotte O. Henderson died  March 31, 1997  She was Herman Henderson’s wife.  Herman was James X. Henderson’s youngest brother.

 

Herman and Charlotte  in the 1930’s.

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Kasey Ann Christensen died May 6, 1997.  She was the granddaughter of Orville and Marge Hawkins, Great Granddaughter to Emma and Rubert Hawkins.

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Earl Hawkins died June 23, 1997 Earl was a son of Rubert and Emma Hawkins, he was Tracie’s nephew.

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Marie Hawkins, Earl’s wife died October 26, 1997.

Obituaries 1994 to 1996

 

 

 

Uncle Herman died on July 19, 1996 .  He was James. X. Henderson’s youngest brother.   Everyone always looked forward to the times when he and Charlotte would come north to Minnesota to visit. Gene and I visited with them when we lived in Denver, we had many good Sunday afternoon visits in Colorado Springs.

 

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Aunt Cora died on January 6, 1994.  Cora Henderson Wettendorf was James X. Hendersons’s sister.

Aunt Cora and Uncle Bill were wonderful people…it was always a treat to visit them in Iowa.  The food was great and the trips to town in the old Rambler Station Wagon with Uncle Bill at the wheel..were exciting to say the least.

Uncle Bill and Aunt Cora

Uncle Herman, Uncle Bill and Aunt Cora  in  1962

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Marvin  Stuve Henderson died on August 28, 1994

Gene, Marvin and Jennifer August 13 1994

Marvin and Evelyn 1994

Marvin had health problems, he had fluid that would build up  around the outer plura of his lungs.  The Doctors would take him into surgery and  take off the fluid, and the fluid would keep coming back.  After one of those surgeries he did not recover and died because his lungs, kidney, liver and heart were all failing.  He was a wonderful man, and is missed by many.   He died late at night in the ICU in Fargo North Dakota Evelyn was with him at the time of his death,  Janice, Gene and Connie were there shortly after his death.

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Elizabeth Buran Henderson Died December 19, 1994

Liz struggled so long with health problems and infections.  She was a marvelous lady, with a voice like an angel.