Bill Henderson
November 26, 2015
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Service Details
Bill Henderson, well-known educator and musician, died on Thursday, November 26, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.
Born September 4, 1930 in Cresco, Bill grew up in Hawkeye, Iowa and graduated from West Union High School. He later graduated from Luther College and received a Master’s degree from Drake University, and served as band director at Ogden High School, West Union High School, and Lincoln High School in Des Moines before taking a position at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. After serving as Director of Security and Executive Director of the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Foundation, he retired in 1990.
Bill became well-known as organist for Drake University men’s basketball games at Veterans Auditorium, where he played for 25 years, and for Iowa State University men’s basketball games. He was also skilled playing a number of musical instruments including organ, piano, trombone, and tuba for the Des Moines Symphony, Maple Street Jazz Band, and Veteran’s Band. Bill was a lifetime member of the Des Moines Musician’s Union.
As a member of Za Ga Zig Shrine, Bill enjoyed driving children to the Shriner’s Hospital in Minneapolis for medical care. He was a member of the Downtown Kiwanis and later joined the Golden K Kiwanis. He was a longtime member of Central Lutheran Church (now Capitol Hill Lutheran Church) and later joined Grace Lutheran Church.
A proficient golfer, Bill spent many hours on the golf course with friends, coaching new golfers, playing in tournaments, and helping in course activities.
Bill delighted in meeting people and enjoyed performing music programs, telling jokes, volunteering, and giving a helping hand whenever he was asked. He believed that “strangers” were friends he just had not yet met.
Survived by his wife of 62 years, Torry, Bill is also survived by son Mark (Mary) Henderson of Minneapolis, daughter Terry (RJ) Hernandez of Prole, son Kent (Sue Hillinger) Henderson of Galena, Illinois, daughter Paula (Rick) Gleason of Indianola; grandchildren Eric, Josh (Ting), Mandy (Dave), Jake, Lauren, Jasper, Libby, and Anna; great grand-daughter Alice; sister Betsy (Bob) Huibregtse of Orange City; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lelah Henderson
.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 pm on Tuesday, December 1 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines. A funeral service will take place at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, December 2 at Grace Lutheran Church, 3010 52nd Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to UnityPoint Health Foundation (Iowa Lutheran Hospital), Grace Lutheran Church, or the Chrysalis Foundation.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Vicki Lear Breckenridge
12/11/2015
Terry and family,
I knew Bill from ILH. He was such a WONDERFUL man. I loved his continuous smile and kind sweet spirit. My condolences to you.
Lynne Colebaugh
12/05/2015
Torry, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. Both of you were so kind to Marc and I. Always helpful and fun to be with. He will be missed by so many musicians in so many bands.
Jean LeRoque
12/02/2015
Mr. Henderson was my favorite teacher at Lincoln-not so much because of band and orchestra, but because of his enthusiasm and passion for whatever he was doing. I doubt that I'll ever forget seeing him "helping" coach Ceynar by drop kicking footballs through the uprights from more than 40 yards out!!
Connie & Ronald Schlatter
12/02/2015
We, the Hawkeye Community, claim him as one of those guys that wore a "White Hat"---one of the good guys. I had him as a band instructor while going to West Union High School. Later in my life while working with the Hawkeye Hurd Museum we corresponded with Bill many times and he was very interested in seeing that the Museum was not just a dream of the community. It was a pleasure to have known such a fine person. Our sympathy to Torry and his entire family.
Kate Aspengren
12/02/2015
Mr. Henderson was my high school band director and had a huge impact on my life. He taught me the value of working hard for my goals and in believing in myself. And I never doubted for a moment that he believed in me. Although we haven't spoken in years, I've carried with me the lessons that I learned from him:not just about music, but about what it means to live a life infused with humor, dedication and the desire to help others reach their potential. I will never forget him.
Dennis Brightwell
12/02/2015
"Mr. Henderson" was the band director at Lincoln High School where I played trumpet in the band and was Drum Major in my senior year. I credit Mr. Henderson with many wonderful experiences related to making music, like the time our band got a standing ovation when we played a concert at North High. He has touched my life in a most positive way. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
George Hanusa
12/01/2015
My deepest sympathy to all of Bill's family and friends. I enjoyed knowing him and hearing him perform with bands at Windsor Heights Music in the Park concerts.
Scott, Jane, Sierra & Seth Rissmann
12/01/2015
Kent, Sue & families...So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim Leseney
12/01/2015
I have nothing but fun memories of playing in the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Band with Bill for many years. At our annual Christmas parties he was always at the piano leading us in our favorite songs and carols. He was never lacking for a good story. Twice he brought a lively program to Auburn-Union Park Lodge for its installations. And, just like the picture in his obituary, you never saw him without a smile.
John Henderson
11/30/2015
Dear Torry and Family
I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of all of you I have many fond memories of the time I spent with Bill in the early 50's. We fished with our fathers in Wisconsin. hunted pheasants.
almost in the back yard of his family home in Hawkeye and enjoyed the wonderful meals prepared by his mother Lelah and her mother. Please accept my condolences.
Dave Leach
11/30/2015
I first met Bill when he was my band director at Weeks Jr High in 1957, and our paths have crossed many times from then until now. Whether he was playing piano, trombone, or telling a joke, there was intensity and talent in his performance bursting for release.
Darwin Smith
11/30/2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Henderson was my music teacher at Weeks and Lincoln (class of 68). He was an inspiration in my life as well as music. What a loving person. Until we meet again God Bless.
Dr. Deneese L. Jones
11/30/2015
Terry, please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. My prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time are continuously extended to you and your family. May God bless you with whatever you need.
Roger Jorgenson (ALHS 1969)
11/29/2015
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Henderson, a truly amazing teacher whose love for music inspired young people for decades. My condolences to the Hendersons for your loss.
Everett Johnson
11/29/2015
Torry - Bill was a great friend to both the IHSAA and IHSMA, playing the organ for State BB Tournaments - many times with one of my sons on his lap! A kind, considerate gentlemen who will be missed by many in music community.