Ivan D. Henderson, 86, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Saturday morning, April 29, 2023.
This followed a valiant 9-month battle with cancer.
On September 23, 1936 in Delphi, Ivan Devere Henderson was born. He was a treasured son of Lowell and Loe Giles Henderson. Growing up Ivan shared his childhood with a brother Joe and sister Elizabeth. The Henderson family moved to Tippecanoe County where Ivan learned a strong work ethic and developed a lifelong passion for agriculture. He was a member of the Klondike High School class of 1954.
In Jeffersonville, Ivan married his high school sweetheart, Miss Patricia Kay Sutton on March 10, 1956. They recently celebrated 67 years together. From their union came three beautiful daughters, Debbie, Donna and Diane. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
The couple moved to the Rochester community in 1957, settling at the Peterson farm on Ft. Wayne Road. They primarily milked Holsteins and raised hogs while working the land to produce corn and hay. Additionally, Ivan assisted Ed Waltz then later Dan Enyart with their construction companies, acquiring many life-long skills. Pat and Ivan are members of the Grace United Methodist Church since 1958.
In 1969 the Henderson family moved to a new home location for farming and to raise their family on Old US 31 north of Rochester. Ivan continued his passion for farming about 500 acres annually. As an entrepreneur Ivan formed the Henderson Backhoe, Septic & Sewage Service company serving Fulton County area for four decades since 1983. He also plowed snow and provided roto rooter services. With a keen interest in real estate, Ivan owned several rental properties around the county and on acquisition would remodel them to perfection using the skills he learned earlier in his life.
Sebring, Florida was home to Ivan and Pat for 28 winters. On Saturday nights, he would take Pat out for an evening of dancing. They could "cut the rug," with grace and smooth fluid moves. In the warmth of the Florida sunshine Ivan rode "Old Blue," his bicycle to the grocery store daily, even though he crossed the challenges of 6 lanes of traffic to arrive at his destination. He loved riding his bike so much that he said if necessary to get it home to Rochester, he would ride it!
Ivan's hobby was work and he embraced many diverse interests. One of his greatest joys was his garden, annually planted with a variety of vegetables. Ivan planted and maintained his garden until the end of the summer in 2022 when his family helped out to make the harvest. He would plant green beans, asparagus, corn and tomatoes to name a few of his vegetables. His specialty was his tomatoes, purchasing 10 plants at a time multiple times, then sharing the bountiful harvest with friends, family and neighbors. Keeping the garden irrigated, plants manicured and weeds eradicated was Ivan's specialty.
As the patriarch of the Henderson family, Pappy was so very proud to oversee four generations. He looked forward to visits with the grands, then the great-grands. Attending their school activities and sporting events among their biggest fans was Pappy and MeMaw. The holidays and special family celebrations were times that many memories were made.
Left to cherish Ivan's memory loving wife of 67 years Pat Henderson; two daughters: Debra Sue Bryant and husband Robert, Donna Jean Beck all of Rochester; grandchildren: Brooke Towell and husband Christopher, Travis Bryant, Deric Beck and companion Alyssa Chapman, Damic Beck and wife Ashley, Danna Beck and fiancée Wesley Ramsey, Denay Beck Lease and husband Garrick; Laynie M. Rouch, Abigail K. Rouch; great-grandchildren: Bryleigh Towell, Kaiden Towell, Kylah Towell, Brady Beck, Brant Beck, Beckham Tellez, Aiden Elliot, Jaxon Elliot, Wyatt Beck, Gracelyn Beck, Issiac Ramsey, Tristyn Ragon, Avari Ramsey, Delilah Ragon, Vayla Lease, Bohden Lease and Onyx Lease.
Preceding Ivan in death are his parents, daughter Diane Kay Henderson Loeffler on October 23, 2017, and siblings Joseph Henderson and Elizabeth Ann Henderson King, both in 2017.
Private family services celebrating Ivan's life will be in the Good Family Funeral Home. Pastor Kurt Nichols will officiate.
Burial will follow in Rochester's IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church, 201 West 7th St., Rochester, IN 46975 or to the Fulton County Cancer Fund thru the % Northern Indiana Community Foundation 227 East 9th St., Rochester.
