Oscar Henderson

Oscar Leonard (Bud) Henderson died at home, December 31, 2006, at the age of 80 years. He was born August 14, 1926 in Bordulac, ND and graduated from Cassleton High School. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II at the age of 17 to serve his country. He graduated from Arizona State College in Tempe and later married Eileen Zink in 1951.
He is survived by Eileen, his wife of 55 years, and eight children, David (Barb) Henderson of Mound, Ruth Ann (Mike) Gmeinder of East Gull Lake, Laura (James) Herman of Brainerd, Patricia (Paul) Tollefson of Minnetonka, Donald (Penny) Henderson of Fargo, Beth Henderson (Delmar Hardy) of Brainerd, Robert (Lynn) Henderson of Duluth, and Mary Peters of Brainerd. He is also survived by brothers, Jim Henderson of Fargo, and George Henderson of Red Wing, 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His parents, a sister Roma, and a grandson, Tyler Gmeinder, preceded him in death.

Oscar moved his family to Brainerd in 1964 and started Viking Tire Service. He was very active in the community and implemented the Youth Employment Service. He was instrumental in the founding of Ski Gull and served on the board numerous years. He served on the St. Francis Parish Council and was a Commissioner on the Brainerd Public Utilities for 18 years, and was active in the Lions and Elks Club. After his retirement from Viking Tire Service, he managed Northland Communications.

Oscar enjoyed golf, hunting, downhill skiing, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was very proud of his large family and never grew tired of bragging about them every chance he got.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2007 from 4  7 pm at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, with a prayer service at 7 pm. The funeral will take place Thursday, January 4, 2007 at 11:30 am at St. Francis Church. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests you make memorials to the Good Samaritan Hospice Program or St. Francis of the Lakes Schools. Arrangements entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel, Baxter.