William Henderson

William John (Bill) Henderson, age 86, of Duluth, died Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family. We will forever hold dear the time we were able to spend with him during the final leg of his journey on earth.  Bill was born in Duluth on March 23rd, 1931 to John and Adele and lived his full life in Duluth, graduating from Central High School.   He married Charlotte “Char” (Bouchard) on March 4, 1952, they were married for 62 years, raising six children.

Bill started his working days at age 14 with the DM&IR Railroad as a Section Hand and then as a Train Fireman.  Bill worked for the railroad and Como Philgas, at times working both jobs to provide for their large family.  He retired from the DM&IR Railroad at age 60 as a Train Master/Traveling Engineer. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, involved in Eucharistic Ministry, ushering, and the OK Club. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus #6783, he was a former Grand Knight.  For 17 years, he served in the Army National Guard and later retired from the Minnesota Air National Guard after serving 10 years.  Bill and Char enjoyed traveling and were long time winter residents of Yuma, Arizona. As a young boy, Bill joined his father going to the “hunting shack” outside of Two Harbors. He continued to enjoy the property right up until last month, he especially looked forward to deer hunting season with family and friends. Bill and Char loved going to “Bridgeman’s Friday Breakfast Club” for many years.  Bill was a humble man with exceptional love and devotion to his wife, family, friends, church and God.  He died with dignity, grace and humor, our family was in awe of his never wavering character and strength throughout his life and death.  He was ready and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and we are forever grateful for all the skills he taught each one of us. When you hear the words integrity and work ethic, Bill’s name will come to mind.

Bill was preceded in death by the love of his life, Char, his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Thomas and Muriel Bouchard; sister Kay (Jim) Fritz; brothers-in-law, Fr. Thomas Bouchard, Richard Bouchard and Richard Bradley; son-in-law Jerry Stariha.

Bill is survived by his loving children, Mike (Linda) Henderson of Duluth, Gaye Stariha of Superior, Jack (Gerri) of Duluth, Pam (Pete) Haas of Oakdale, Ann (Mike) Amlin of Proctor, Mary Beth (Rob) Zust of Apple Valley; Grandchildren, Scott Henderson, Mark Henderson, Julie (Jarrod) Walker, Sarah (Max) Shaw, Lindsey (Shawn) Aubol, Aaron Henderson, Lauren Henderson, Matthew Haas, Katie Haas, Jenny (Steve) Johnson, Scotty (Julie) Anderson; Great-Grandchildren, Dylan, Alexis, Haley, Elyse, Hope, Brooklyn, Nora, Charlotte; sisters-in-law, Joan Bradley and Leah Bouchard.  The family would like to thank St Luke’s Hospice Home Care, Debbie RN, Dr. Perlov, Dr. Nicholas Johnson and Dr. Karwoski for their kindness and compassion to Bill and his family.

Visitation:  5-7 PM Sunday, July 30, 2017 with rosary prayers at 7 PM at St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  Visitation continues at the church Monday from 10 AM until the 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.