Linda Henderson

I was born Linda Kathryn Michels on March 28th, 1946 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to William Nicholas Michels and Loraine (Smith) Michels. The next almost four years were spent three miles north of Osage in a house that provided us shelter, but mostly the opportunity to explore and learn new things. As I followed my sister Sandra Lee, I was discovering bugs in the grass, playing with pet pigs, catching frogs and real skill; learning to use the outhouse. Then, my father got a job in Park Rapids and I was about to have an awakening. I found out that all peers don’t automatically like you or want to be your friend. It was a strange new world. Two years after living in Park Rapids I gained a brother, Daniel Dean and that made me forever a middle child. I received my first 8 years of education at St. Peter’s Catholic School. I was somewhat protected, but received a decent education. I continued my education at Park Rapids High School, where I graduated in 1964. 

Soon after, I married Thomas Paul Henderson on October 30th, 1965. I wouldn’t say it was complete genius to marry this man, so it must have been dumb luck that I got such a wonderful person as a husband. In every way he has supported me and given me care when I needed it. He was loyal, trustworthy, and always kind. Together we raised three lovely children Gail Michele, Marc Thomas and Greg William.

 I volunteered in the Catholic Church for many years. I taught religious education, was Regent for the local Catholic Daughters, was a eucharistic minister and assisted with environmental decor. I also volunteered with Playhouse 412, the local community theater. I served in many capacities. In later years, I volunteered in the elementary schools teaching Art Masters. I am not sure how much information I was able to impart, but I learned a great deal. I always loved learning new things and consequently, I tried a few hobbies. I would give myself a passable grade in Ukranian egg dying, but barely passing in the area of watercolor. In bird watching and identification I was nearly an expert and I was an avid reader. I get a fairly high grade in poetry (enclosed). I tried to think of my most notable achievement and then I laughed. I would have to say that my grandchildren have designated me as the person that is the most amazing floater. They were always shouting, “Look what Grandma’s doing!” They were sure I could float in any position. That may not sound like much, but I had to really put things in perspective when I knew that I was most likely leaving soon. I worked at Rossman Elementary School as a paraprofessional for several years, and there I met wonderful friends.

 A loving farewell to my sister Sandra, to my brother Dan and to his spouse Deb who has been a loving sister to me. Tom’s siblings Jack (Pat) and Rosalie have also been like siblings to me. I suffered the loss of my son Marc in July of 2018. I love you my wonderful children; Gail (loving sweet daughter), Courtney (loving spouse of Marc), Greg (helpful loving son) and Anita (loving spouse of Greg). My sons must have been extra intelligent to choose the two most beautiful women to bring into our family.

 I am so lucky. I couldn’t be more grateful for the marvelous grandchildren that were given to me; Sydney Lauren, Shea Savanna (Makenson), Ella Jean (Aiden), Maddie Paige (Trystin), Blaine Thomas, Reed William and Jaden Loraine. I have spent a good share of my life with them playing games, reading books, swimming, cooking, having tea parties and sharing meatloaf dinners at the end of the school year. Now I have been blessed with the two most beautiful great grandchildren a person could ask for; Rowan Yirmaal (Sydney) and Harriet Mak (Makenson and Shea). 

Farewell to my nieces, nephews and cousins who I always enjoyed spending time with. Farewell also to my Uncle Don Michels and his wife Alice who are my only surviving uncle and aunt. 

I want to say goodbye to all my people. You have provided me with constant and loving care and have treated me with only kindness. I am sorry to all my friends and family that I may have hurt or harmed in any way. I have lived a wonderfully ordinary life; celebrate that with me.