Bruce Henderson

Bruce Edwin Henderson went home to be with his Lord at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota on July 7, 2015. Bruce was born to Merritt and Mary Lou (Martin) Henderson on May 30, 1953, in Park Rapids, MN and grew up in Straight River Township where he resided until his death. He was the third of four sons born into this loving family. Bruce attended school in Park Rapids and as a senior at Park Rapids Area High School he enlisted in the Marine Corps. During his high school years he worked at Bob's Radio and TV in Park Rapids where he learned to repair televisions. After his graduation in 1971, he entered active duty as a forward controller and radio operator in the infantry. After being honorably discharged from active duty, he lived and worked in California for a couple of years. He returned to Park Rapids where he met his future wife, Julie Stevens. They were married August 1, 1981. They were blessed with three children, Joe, Sarah and Brian. He worked for many years at Harvalas, repairing televisions and electronic equipment. After leaving there, he continued to repair televisions while working for several area farmers. He also raised cattle on the family homestead. He enjoyed fixing John Deere tractors with his dad and cared for Merritt until his death in 1998. He collected old style John Deere tractors with the dream of restoring them. In these past 5 weeks he had talked about getting on a stored Harley and riding again. He was a charter member of Faithbridge Church (Faith Baptist Church). Through the years he had served as trustee, Sunday school teacher, Awana leader, soundboard tech and was the church custodian for 16 years until his retirement in 2015. He touched the lives of many from the very young to his elders. He felt especially blessed to be called grandpa by his nine, soon to be 10, grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with each of them, doing everyday things and teaching them about Jesus. Bruce had a close relationship with Jesus and wanted everyone to have that relationship. He was a loving husband, father and the "best grandpa ever". He was selfless, serving, giving, an inventor, smart, fixer of anything and everything, a John Deere man, liked to draw, a collector, philosopher, advisor, humble, a great friend to all no matter the social class, content, listener, funny, caring, hardworking, honest, loyal, trustworthy, kind, had a great smile, was longsuffering, an encourager, teacher, farmer, faithful, inventor of words and nicknames. Bruce will be greatly missed, but will be remembered by his many quotes including, "Don't let anything rob you of your joy." He is survived by his wife, Julie; twins, Joe (Cora) and Sarah (Greg) Filippello and son, Brian (Samantha); and 9 grandchildren; Isaac, Katelynn and Nathan Henderson; Ethan, Caleb and Grant Filippello; Cortney, Emma and Luke Henderson; brothers, Allan (Pat) and Roger (Jan) both of Park Rapids and Wayne (Theresa) of Menahga; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM Monday July 13, 2015 at Faithbridge Church, located on Hwy 71 S. in Park Rapids. Officiating will be Reverend Marty Giese, Reverend Abe Cardosa & Reverend Mark Waller. Military honors by the Star of the North Marine Corps. To leave online condolences or view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.