Mary Alice Henderson

Mary Alice Henderson, 89, of Wausau died peacefully Tuesday, April 13 in the arms of her family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Aspirus Hospice House.  

Mary Alice was born on January 24, 1932 in Blakesburg, Iowa to Carl and Elizabeth Peterson.  Mary Alice was christened and confirmed at the Munterville Lutheran Church in Munterville, Iowa and was a graduate of Blakesburg High School.

She married the love of her life, Theodore Henderson on September 9, 1953 at the Davis Street Christian Church in Ottumwa, Iowa; three days after Ted received his green orders and six days before he departed for Korea.   Mary Alice faithfully wrote and sent a letter to Ted every day he was away.

Mary Alice was devoted to her family and held part-time jobs while her daughters were in school.  She was a loving mother who taught Bible School, was a Girl Scout Leader and volunteered at school and church. 

Mary Alice and Ted lived in Iowa until 1973 when they moved to Wausau.  Mary Alice held several jobs at real estate offices and for the City of Wausau Housing Authority (Kannenberg and Riverview Towers) where Mary Alice earned the nickname “Mom” for the tender loving care she provided to residents. 

Mary Alice and Ted enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Iowa to visit family after moving to Wisconsin.  After retirement, they enjoyed trips around Wisconsin, and especially enjoyed Northern Wisconsin and Door County.  Mary Alice enjoyed cooking and always was ready to share a meal with anyone who visited.  She also enjoyed collecting Avon collectibles.   

Her family and her role as wife, mother and grandmother was the most important thing to Mom.  This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. 

She is survived by her loving husband Ted; daughters, Roxanne (Brian) Wenzel, and Dianne (Dennis) Dalsky of Wausau; grandchildren, Jessica Wenzel of Wausau; Kimberly Wenzel (fiancé Erik Larson) of Middleton; and Matt Dalsky (fiancée Kate Maly) of Wausau; brother-in-law, Ronald Henderson of Camdenton, Missouri; sister and brother-in-law Janice and Bill Moore of Melrose, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Elizabeth Peterson; mother and father-in-law Theodore and Elsie Henderson; brother Carl Peterson, Jr.; sister-in-law’s Eva Peterson and Patty Henderson.

We will always remember her sweet smile and gentle soul.  She will be deeply missed but always remembered because she touched all of our hearts.

A private family service is scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Service or Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Wausau.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Alice Henderson, please visit our floral store.