In loving memory of

Allen Wayne Henderson
February 13, 1955 - October 2, 2019

Rev. Allen Henderson, 64, beloved Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge, passed away on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 5th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven Turner officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Boone. Visitation will be on Friday October 4th after 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home is serving the family.
Survivors include his wife, Kristine, daughter, Kandi (Ben) Lovin of Rosemount, MN, son, Kelly (Erin) Henderson of Norwalk, IA, daughter, Kristen (David) Willingham of Olathe, KS, grandchildren, Ella, Charlie, Harper, Kalyn, Connor, Blake, and Kenley, sisters, Patricia Buskirk of Hemingford, NE and Beverly Schneider of Cylinder, IA, mother-in-law, Alice Johnson, several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orvie and Mabel (Johnson) Henderson, father-in-law, Ernie Johnson, brothers-in-law, Harold Schneider and Keith Buskirk.
Allen Wayne Henderson was born on February 13, 1955 in Clarion. As a young man he grew up in western Nebraska where he graduated from Scottsbluff High School. On March 22, 1975 he was united in marriage to Kristine Johnson and they made home in western Nebraska near Scottsbluff. For several years Allen was a feed and grain salesman. He then decided to follow his true calling to be a Pastor. He began his calling at Concordia Lutheran Church in Williston, ND and then later moved to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Boone. In 1999, Pastor Al came to Fort Dodge where he served as Senior Pastor for St. Paul Lutheran Church where he became well known and loved by his parish. In 2014, Pastor Al, along with many others helped to start "Serving Our Servants" S.O.S. which was based on serving those who serve the community. Pastor Al was also the Chaplain for Fort Dodge Police Department, Fort Dodge Fire Department, Webster County Sheriff Department and the Iowa State Patrol District 7. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. Rev. Allen could often be heard saying "Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant" and would end conversations with "Carry On". He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Tributes

Patti & Larry Ely wrote on Feb 14, 2020:

"He is in our thoughts everyday. Miss him tremendously. His kind demeanor and his forever smile. What a loss!"

Larry Hols wrote on Jan 12, 2020:

"He gave me furniture when I had none. He took me and bought me a new shirt so I could look nice for job interviews. He gave me gas money. He gave me a closer understanding of God as we waited for a new church to be built after the fire. So sad that I didn't know about this sooner. Because he also helped get me to a V.A in Minnesota and Fargo where I got the help I needed. I'm ashamed I didn't stay in touch. What an awesome human being. I cried tonight. I can't stop. "

Brian Scoles wrote on Oct 11, 2019:

"DELIVER US FROM EVIL. What does this petition mean in the wake of a murder? As I reflect on Pastor Henderson's death, I think about something that the Apostle Paul wrote at the end of his second letter to Timothy. Paul knew that his days were numbered. This time his imprisonment will end with his violent death. Knowing what awaited him, Paul still declared, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom." What the apostle confessed is in keeping with the word of the Lord proclaimed through Isaiah: "The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." I pray that all those who knew and loved Pastor Henderson will take comfort in the words given to the Apostle John in the book of Revelation: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Rest in peace, Pastor Henderson. "

george R. Kahn wrote on Oct 7, 2019:

"From northern New York State, Rev. Henderson's caring, consideration, and fine work -- specifically with SOS -- has had, from its inception, in awe. I had the privilege of speaking with him (via telephone) on three occasions -- I remember them all quite well! I am at a loss to say more than, "I'm ever so sorry for your loss." He works, indeed, in mysterious ways; at the end of our 2nd conversation, I said, "Good-bye", and Pastor Al, instead, said "Carry on". Yes -- from half-way across the country -- he is, and will be missed! george Kahn, Potsdam, New York"

Bobbi Potts wrote on Oct 5, 2019:

"My heart aches? My deepest sympathy and condolences to all family and friends. I'll never forget such an aspiring man of God. May he rest in peace......."

Ronald Vought wrote on Oct 5, 2019:

"On behalf of myself and spouse Dawn we both wish to share our deepest condolences at this time. Pastor Henderson was an awesome man with a true calling. As an early participant in the infancy of the SOS program, he had a passion second to none. He will always leave a lasting impression in my life. Ron and Dawn V."

Anonymous wrote on Oct 5, 2019:

"Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy if your Lord. "

Amy Wormsley wrote on Oct 5, 2019:

"My husband Scott and I traveled back from Vegas to get married in Iowa and wanted Pastor Al to perform the ceremony. He thought it was funny that we come all the way from Vegas to Iowa to get married and made the joke in our ceremony. We also traveled home with our first daughter to have him baptized by Pastor Al. He was a great friend to my parents and a magnificent man. "

Alice and Marv Braaten wrote on Oct 5, 2019:

"Kris and Family, Our thoughts of sympathy are with all of you at this time. We were shocked and saddened by what has happened. We know that our loving,gracious God has wrapped his arms around you. Kris,you may not remember us but your mother has been our friend for many years as was your father and also Allen's parents. Special greetings to your mother and tell her we miss her here at Calvary Lutheran Church. May the love and peace of our Lord be with you and sustain you now and forever. With our Christian love and Sympathy. Alice and Marv Braaten"

Jerry Roux wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"RIP Pastor your in a better place"

Marlyn and Evelyn Paul Alamo Texas 78516 wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"Our prayers too Chris and Family.. We are very saddened too hear this. We Loved the Family So Much... Pastor Al Was A Great Man And Friend.. Evelyn and Marlyn Paul Alamo Texas. God be with You All!!"

Barbara Drury wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

" My brother attends St Paul?s and whenever I visit from Colorado I always attend service with him. I just visited about 3 weeks ago and had a nice visit with a Pastor Al. I?m so sorry for his family, church and community for your loss. Prayers are with all of you. Barbara Drury Colorado Springs, Co"

Mike Golka wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"My condolences to the family. I was a patron at the co-op in Nebraska where Al was the feed department manager. I remember him as a good man and friend to all. Mike Golka"

Billie Poland wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"Kris, Kandi, Kristen, and Kelly...My heart has been hurting for you all. I always looked forward to seeing Al at the birthday parties for the girls. He was the kindest person and it was evident how much he loved you all. I pray that your memories comfort you in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Billie Poland"

Ron and Ginny Settell wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"To Pastor Henderson's family, my husband Ron and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all of you during this difficult time. We were extremely saddened when we learned that the firetruck and ambulance that had sped past our home the night before was headed toward the church to save him. Pastor H. had a way of connecting with so many of us with his smile and warmth from his heart. He would be driving past our house to and from work or even lunch and he always waved if we were outside, always a smile. His service and support to this community will be missed by many, I'm sure. Pastor H. will always be smiling down and watching over us all! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers."

Malinda (Alsop) Ray wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"There are no words to share. However, The Holy Spirit is able to bring the depth of grief to our Father's ears. God has not, and will not forsake you. You are in my prayers."

Jason Bahr wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"I find it hard to find the words to express what a wonderful person Pastor Al was and what a positive influence he was in my life and so many others and how much he will be missed. During my career as a first responder, he was always there when I needed someone to talk to, whether it was work related or just life in general. The most amazing thing is that it was as if Pastor Al knew when I needed someone to talk to, he would just appear, that warm smile and handshake greeting me at times that I needed it most. His advice was always comforting but one of the things I will say I admired the most about Pastor Al was his amazing ability to just listen, he ALWAYS had time. I am greatly honored, and humbled to have had the opportunity in this life to meet such a great man and role model. Pastor Al will be missed by the whole community that he served, and personally I will never forget Pastor Al. Since I have moved away from the community and did not have the opportunity to see Pastor Al regularly, I feel blessed that I was able to talk with Pastor Al at a wedding I attended just this past weekend and I now treasure that conversation. Pastor Al, don?t worry because I now work in the state of Nebraska that you loved so dearly, I will ?Go Big Red? for you on Saturdays except during one game a year and you know which one. Rest in peace my friend! I send the deepest sympathies and prayers to the Henderson family, Pastor Al will be deeply missed."

Angelia (Flamme) Wengert wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"Dear Kris...maybe it was in Seward, Nebraska...it goes way back my dear one...Angelia (Flamme) Wengert"

Angelia (Flamme) Wengert wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"Dear Kris and family of Al Henderson. For I'm convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, no any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39. My heart is grieving with you Kris, and your children and grandchildren...your church family and all those that love and adore you. Angelia (Flamme) Wengert, way back when you and Al got together with my family way back then while in Seminary I believe. All I can say, may God keep us strong to forgive, my prayers will always be with you my dear. Jesus is the resurrection and the Life, as the Shepherd laid down his life for all the World, for us.....to redeem the sinner unto himself, so Al is remembered to be with the Lord. He is an offering to Life eternally, admiration to Us all. I pray to come your way soon...to embrace you my dear. My most sincere sympathies. Angie Wengert and all my family. I currently live in Cedar Rapids....you are not far for me to visit one day. My tears are with you all."

Randall Russell wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"Yes I 1st meet Rev Henderson back in 1995 while he was minister for Saint Paul Lutheran church in Boone,Iowa. He welcomed my wife and her children into the church after they 1st moved from AZ. Rev Henderson helped my wife and I through the bumps of a early relationship and when her eldest son girlfriend was being disrespectful towards me he explained to her why he thought that was wrong which got her to apologize to me. Rev Henderson was a true man of God. He stood for truth, honor and family an was a genuinely great person. I was truly honored to have met such a wonderful person. My heart felt sorrows goes out to his family. Randall David Russell BOONE, Iowa "

Patti & Larry Ely wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"First of all, "Thank you Pastor Henderson for being a part of our lives." He baptized my husband, welcomed me into St. Paul's as a new member of the church, and then united my husband and I through marriage in 2010. He was an amazing man who always brought laughter and love. We moved from Fort Dodge back in 2011. From that moment on, we have missed seeing Pastor Henderson and the wonderful church services that he shared. We will forever miss a great man. May the good Lord put his arms around his family. God gained a very angel to continue his service? "

Doug Kading wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"Sincere Christian sympathy to the family, to President Turner, fellow servants of our Lord, the servants and friends of the Fort Dodge community. All praise and glory to our Lord for sharing the life and Christian love of The Reverend Al Henderson. The promise of salvation, God's love, and true faith in Jesus as our Savior will strengthen each one who has been blessed by the service of this wonderful servants."

Dean Buskirk wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"As we travel your way, we are at a loss for words, one of the hardest days of our lives. Prayers to you all?Al is just an unforgettable, awesome brother, uncle, dad grandpa and everything and for such a senseless death is heartbreaking. We find comfort in that his Mom &Dad, Keith & Dale are rejoicing his homecoming??Love and Prayers and please Al show us the way to sunshine days and rainbows and flowers, so much love from your Nebraska Buskirk families. Kris and everyone, see you soon ~hugs in the way. Dean Sonya Pat Shelley Shaylynn Peyton Chad Lexi & kiddos "

Anne Erickson wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"I got to know Allen when my father pass a way .He was a very kind and loving man he would all ways say hi when he saw my husband and I out . Allen will be miss by all of us he did a lot fort of community he touch so many lives. My prayers go out to his family ."

Dennis Godwin wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"I only meet Pastor once when he married my Son and Daughter in law. I was very much taken by him. He will be missed God bless you all "

Brian and Carrie Imhoff wrote on Oct 4, 2019:

"There are not enough words that can be said that express how deeply sorry our family mourns the loss of this wonderful man. We knew how very special he was to our daughter Amanda, he guided and helped her through a very tragic time in her life. And that we will forever be grateful for. We finally got to see how special he was and meet this amazing man when he married Amanda and Chad and then the baptism of our grandson. The little conversations we talked we knew right away he was an honest and true man of god. We are so deeply sorry and send our sympathy with so much love and prayers. May you al find peace someday. Brian and Carrie Imhoff"

Sumer Hallgren wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Kris and family....I am so very sorry on your loss of Pastor Henderson. I was devastated to hear this. I really enjoyed seeing the look on his face when I would go home to visit...he would shake my hand and say well hello there! I cannot fathom what you are going thru. Just know that I am very heartbroken and sorry on your loss. May memories of all the good he has done for the church and community remain with you always. I saw St Paul's burn down due to arson now 20 years later I see a senseless murder of a great pastor. Very very sad. I have great memories of him and will cherish his great sermons and his humor always."

Dave Amderspm wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Roger Walck and I presented an evening worship concert at St. Paul's last year. We met and talked with Al several times over the two days we were in Ft Dodge. I had a long talk with Al about the funeral sermon he was facing a few days after we left. His heart was huge! His love for the Lord was evident in his life and in his words. God bless the memory of this saint. "

Terry & Beth Anson wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Dear Kris & family, there are no words for something like this except to say we are so sorry for your loss & tragic end to a good man?s life. May you be comforted by the Lord & your strong faith. Much healing, love & prayers for you & your family. Terry & Beth Anson "

Christine Ahrens wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Paster Al was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to his wife and their families. He will be deeply missed by all who new him. "

Barb Vonsak wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Pastor Al I so enjoyed working with you on many weddings at St. Paul's your style was the best. I loved you thought on stopping and praying at every sound of a siren. I will always think of you every year at the shop with a cop event and seeing you with your Santa Hat on, fly high Pastor Al you will be so missed."

Donna Mathey Longhauser Quick and family wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Mrs. Henderson and family, my sympathies to you all. Pastor was very kind to my mom, Arlene Mathey and dad, Don Mathey. He visited with them numerous time at assisted living and hospital rooms. I heard him preach many times..true man of the Gospel. He buried mom and dad. Such a compassionate man. I know your hearts are broken. I pray for comfort. "

Evelyn and Roy Stockman wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Pastor AL WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN-WHEN HE WAS IN OGDEN HE MADE A HOUSE CALL ON US-MANY YEARS AGO -LEFT A GREAT MEMORY SENDING PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.---ROY AND EVELYN STOCKMAN "

Phil Somsen wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Prayers of thanksgiving for a life well lived season my grief at such a tragic end for one so loved and respected by many. Pastor Al Henderson has blessed every part of the community through the years. Phil Somsen retired hospital chaplain"

Joan Portz wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10103121330855123&id=38210104"

Joan Portz wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Pastor Al was there as my mom (Darlene Trusty) took her final breaths. I say that he prayed her home. As he prayed, she took a couple deep breathes and before he finished saying Amen, she was gone. I like to think that she (and many more who were touched by Pastor Al) were at the pearly gates to welcome him home. All who knew him were blessed. May the Lord be with his family and wrap them in his loving arms."

Scott Hallgren wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Our deepest symphonies - no words. While we only attended St. Paul's when back in town for the holidays or other special occasions to see family, we will always remember Pastor Henderson for his fun and unique sermons during Christmas Eve - and yes, they kept the attention of our four children. Jaime will forever miss the hugs and being twirled around - she was very sad to hear this news and instantly said she'll miss the special hugs! God's Peace, Comfort & Blessings! Scott, Trudy, Jordan, Jaime, Jadyn & Joel Hallgren"

Ben Humphrey wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"My kids adored him and he called my little girl the next tinkerbell as my sister was the first one. They always loved helping him at church on Saturday nights. He will be greatly missed"

Tammie cROUSE wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"Al was a wonderful man. He help out this community a lot. He like to help out people out. Thanks Al for ur help. "

Chris Garcia wrote on Oct 3, 2019:

"My sincerest condolences to the family. I always enjoyed his services and his stories. He baptized my 2 youngest kids and baptized my grandson this past Easter Sunday. I'm heartbroken that I will not be able to make it to the service on Sunday since I live in Indiana. I did talk to the St. Paul's church here in Ft. Wayne and they're adding a special prayer in this Sunday's services. You will be deeply missed Pastor Al. May you rest in Heaven"