Theodore (Ted) J. Henderson, 91, died December 14, 2024, at Renaissance Assisted Living in Weston, WI with his daughters by his side.

Ted was born on February 24, 1933, in Albia, Iowa to Theodore and Elsie Henderson. He was a graduate of Blakesburg High School and a graduate of the National Railroad School in Omaha, Nebraska. He worked for Illinois Central Railroad from 1951-1953 until he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. Ted completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Ted married the love of his life, Mary Alice on September 9, 1953, three days after Ted received his green orders. Ted and Mary Alice were together six days after their wedding before he was deployed to Korea. Ted served in the Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955 with 24th Engineering Company C.

After serving in Korea, Ted and Mary Alice moved to Des Moines, Iowa and Ted started a long 40+ year career with International Harvester. He was transferred to Fort Dodge, Iowa and eventually to Wausau in 1973. Ted resigned from International Harvester in 1976 and worked locally for Badger International and Northwest International. After retirement, he enjoyed delivering trucks on a part-time basis for Truck Country making weekly trips to Dubuque, Iowa and Milwaukee and Schullsburg, WI.

Ted enjoyed spending time with family. Family and friends were always welcome at Ted and Mary Alice's home. They enjoyed cooking and sharing meals, especially around the holidays. He enjoyed gardening and had beautiful flower gardens and enjoyed sharing vegetables with family and friends. Ted also enjoyed woodworking and reading.

Ted had a fun relationship with his grandkids who always looked forward to hearing Grandpa's jokes and stories. Ted was proud to become a great grandpa in May of this year.

Mary Alice and Ted enjoyed traveling with their daughters and made many trips to Iowa to visit family after moving to Wisconsin. After retirement, they enjoyed trips around Wisconsin and especially enjoyed Door County and northern Wisconsin. Ted enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada with a group of friends from International Harvester for over 18 years.

In January of 2023, Ted made the decision to move into assisted living. He enjoyed spending time with other residents, especially his close friends Loren, Klaus and Norb.

He is survived by his devoted family; daughters Roxanne Wenzel and Dianne Dalsky of Wausau, grandchildren, Jessica Wenzel of Wausau, Kimberly Wenzel and husband Erik Larson of Dodgeville, Matthew Dalsky and wife Kate of Wausau, great granddaughter Sophie Dalsky, Wausau, brother Ronald Henderson, Apple Valley, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Alice, son-in-law's Brian Wenzel and Dennis Dalsky, parents Theodore and Elsie Henderson, in-laws, Carl and Elizabeth Peterson, sister Janice Moore and brother-in-law Bill Moore, sister-in-law Patty Henderson and brother-in-law Carl Peterson, Jr. and sister-in-law Eva Peterson.

Ted is now reunited in heaven with his dear wife Mary Alice.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at Renaissance Assisted Living for their loving care during Dad's time there. We are also deeply thankful for the compassionate care provided by St. Croix Hospice during Dad's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Croix Hospice, Wisconsin Talking Books and Braille Library or a charity of your choice.

Funeral service with Military Honors will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Restlawn Memorial Park Chapel, (235962 North Troy Street, Wausau, WI 54403). Visitation will be held at 10:00 am until the time of the service.

Mid Wisconsin Cremation society is assisting the family currently. Online condolences may be expressed at MWCS.WS