William Everett Henderson

William "Bill" Everett Henderson, 88, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Friday, December 27, 2013 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Bill was born on December 19, 1925 the son of Everett and Alice (Tillmann) Henderson in Ogema, MN. He graduated from Waubun High School in 1943 and immediately began service as a Merchant Marine in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres of operation during World War II. On September 15, 1946, Bill married his soulmate Eileen Joy who remained his bride of 67 years. They settled in the Detroit Lakes area where they were blessed with a son, Mark, in 1958. He had a career in food service, including owning and operating several different establishments. He moved his family to Las Vegas, NV in the 60's where he continued as a chef at the Silver Slipper. They returned to the Midwest a couple years later where he worked as the manager for the university food service in River Falls, WI. He continued his career in food service in Minnesota and Wisconsin, capping off his career by starting the bakery, Supermom's Kitchen, for Superamerica in the early 80's. Bill and his bride retired to Detroit Lakes in 1989. When Mark asked his father what he wanted to do as a retired man, Bill replied, "I want to try to do as least something for someone every day. I don't have the rest figured out, but I know I want that." Bill truly loved life. He loved his "Eileen", and was especially proud of his grandchildren, Kyle and Jacob. He was devoted to his church, the Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church. The highlights of his ministry were his mission trips to Jamaica, serving as a Stephen's Minister, being a charter member of The Gentle Men, and his extensive committee work. He loved to bake and travel with his wife and was an active outdoorsman. He was a past Master of the local Masonic Lodge and received the Hiram Award honoring his outstanding service in Freemasonry. Above everything, he loved people. He greeted everyone with his famous bear hugs and was a collector of friends. In his life, everyone was special. Bill is survived by his wife, Eileen Henderson of Detroit Lakes, MN; son, Mark (Robin) Henderson of Granite Falls, MN; two grandsons, Kyle Henderson of Seattle, WA; Jacob Henderson of St. Louis Park, MN; two sisters, LaVaun Childs of Detroit Lakes, MN; Luella Oberg of Cardiff by the Sea, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws whom he loved all dearly. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Everett William and Alice Ida Henderson and infant son, Everett William Henderson.