Obituary of Lennart E. Henderson

Lennart E. (Len) Henderson, age 80, of Wisconsin Rapids, died on June 14, 2014, with his wife and daughter by his side at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home in Port Edwards. Len and his wife, Carol had just celebrated their 55th Anniversary on Friday, June 13th. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at First Congregational-UCC Church. Rev. Paul Veldman will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Saturday at the church. Military rites will be rendered by American Legion Post 9. Len was born on May 15, 1934 in Mosinee, WI to Roy and Marie (Dittman) Henderson. He graduated from Mosinee High School in 1952 and joined the U.S. Navy until 1956. Len married Carol Van Vuren at Grace Church in Wausau, WI on June 13, 1959. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Stevens Point University in 1960 and began his teaching career at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. Len received his Master of Science degree from LaCrosse University and continued taking graduate courses after teaching Biology at the high school for 22 years. He ended his career teaching Life Science to 7th graders at East Junior High. Len enjoyed playing cards, gardening and fishing. His garden kept getting bigger every year and he shared his produce with neighbors and friends. He also helped others plant gardens and gave tips on how to garden. He enjoyed being in his boat fishing for hours by his cottage on the Eau Pleine Flowage. Len took care of animals for neighbors and family. He also enjoyed wine making and celebrating his favorite holiday, Groundhog's Day. Part of the celebration included making groundhog cookies and worm cookies. Len and his wife enjoyed many trips to the west coast to visit their sons and grandchildren. His highlight of travel was a fishing trip to Alaska. Len was a member of the WREA, WEA, and NEA. He was a member of the First Congregational-UCC Church and served on several committees. Len is survived by his wife, Carol and three children: daughter, Laura (Jon) Krause, Fremont, WI; son Kevin, Snohomish, WA; and son, Craig, San Diego, CA; and four grandchildren; sister: Roberta (Ken Satoh), Marquette, MI; aunt Clara Witz, Clintonville, WI; brother-in-law: Ralph Van Vuren, Eau Claire, WI; sister-in-law: Marlene Weiler, Florida; nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Alzheimers Association or the South Wood County Humane Society. The family would like to thank the staff of Amery Regional Medical Center and Edgewater Haven for all the care given to Len so he could be without pain and be at peace. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family.