Katherine "Kate" Henderson, 85, Dodge Center
Katherine "Kate" Joan (Drilling) Henderson of Dodge Center, MN passed away on November 18, 2023, at the age of 85. Kate was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.
Kate was born February 22, 1938, in St. Paul to Edmund and Amelia (Robinson) Drilling. She grew up in the Stanton area, was a member of the Stanton United Methodist Church, and attended Randolph Schools, graduating in 1956. It was there that she met the love of her life, Roy Henderson. Roy was home from leave from the Army when they reconnected and three days later were engaged. “I knew I had found the one” according to Roy. They were married on October 12, 1957, at the Stanton Methodist Church. They immediately left for Fort Belvoir, VA, where Roy was stationed. Kate was happy to be a stay-at-home mom during the early years of their marriage, raising their 3 children. She also attended Mankato State University and went on to work for Scott County DAC for twenty-five years.
Kate made many friends over the years, starting in the Randolph/Stanton area, Fort Belvoir, Winona, Eyota, Belle Plaine, Isle, and Dodge Center, where they resided for the past nineteen years. Katie had many interests and hobbies. She loved to entertain and cook for her family and friends, play the piano, directing the Junior Church Choirs while living in Belle Plaine, golfing everywhere, playing bridge with her incredible friends, making countless comforters for family and friends. She loved a good discussion and generally would add some spark with her input. Her love of the outdoors drew her to become the first president of the Friends of Hennepin State Park in Isle. No hobbies were more important or gave her more joy than following the activities of her family. Cheering on the teams Roy coached and the activities her children and grandchildren were a part of are special memories for us. Kate and Roy loved to travel and were able to visit 49 states and many countries. They hosted Rotary Exchange Students that became additions to their family, Jussi Rauhtalahti (Finland), Henrik Wrangdahl (Sweden) and Richard Allen (England).
Kate is survived by her husband, Roy. Their three children, Benda (husband Todd Bonime) Ellering, Don (Joan) Henderson, Doug (Julie) Henderson. She was “Nene” to her nine grandchildren, Anthony (Launi), Sevryn (Tommy), Connor, Ayrton, Max, Alec, Joe (Summer), Peter (Valerie), Jacqueline (Seamus) and five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Owen, Finnian, Lennon, and Charlotte. Sisters Delores Crump, Janet Emery, Mary (Ben) Drilling. Sisters-in-law, KayLee Henderson and Valley Marzinske. Many nieces and nephews. Foster son Steven (Julie) Burtis.
Kate was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Esther and Max Henderson, and brothers-in-law Edward Henderson, David Marzinske, and Dale Crump.
There will be a funeral service on December 9th at Faith Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, where she was a current member. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30, prior to the service at 11:30 am. There will be lunch following the service. Officiating will be Pastor Jessica Bakken Busch. A family burial will be at the Stanton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Mayo Hospice, Tri-Community Backpack Program, and the Stanton Cemetery. We would like to thank everyone that has contributed to Kate’s care over the months and supported the family. Thank you for the kind words, the food, or simply thinking of us along the way. It has been felt and appreciated every day.