Obituary of Joseph D. Henderson

JOSEPH DAVID HENDERSON STERLING-Joseph David Henderson, 85, of Sterling, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at CGH Medical Center of septic pneumonia. Joe was born in Ridge Farm, on August 4, 1931 to Ted and Susie Mae (Satterlee) Henderson. The family farmhand “Old Mose” Laurence was an early influence. At Ridge Farm High School, Joe was involved in sports (including playing football in a cow pasture) and played trombone in the band. At the University of Illinois he received a BS in Agriculture and a Master’s in Agricultural Economics. Joe was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served as a First Lieutenant in the Army. He married Annette Gertrude (Gulder) Henderson on August 3, 1957 in Northbrook. Joe was a banker for 40 years, starting as a farm manager for Milikin Trust of Decatur and First National Bank of Dwight. Next, he was a Vice-President at Continental Bank in Chicago (where he was also a lecturer with Dale Carnegie), then United Missouri Bank, Kansas City. While in Kansas he established Henderson Hills, a cattle “seed stock” ranch. He was President of United Missouri Bank in St. Catherine, MO, President of Crawford County State Bank in Robinson, IL, and for 20 years President / Chairman / CEO of First National Bank of Sterling, now US Bank. Joe served his community through his extensive volunteer work with CGH Health Foundation, Sterling Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Community Charitable Trust, Greater Sterling Development Corporation Board, Unit 5 School Board, Masonic Consistory and Shriners, First Presbyterian Church Session, as well as numerous other local and national charitable fundraising organizations. He is survived by his wife, Annette of Sterling; their children Susan Tracy(Robin) McDaniel of North Barrington, Carol Lynn (Brian) Christensen of Sheboygan, WI and Joseph David (Barbara Ross) Henderson, Jr of Gig Harbor, WA. Joe and Ann have eight grandchildren: James(Alicia Kernica) Tracy, Emily Tracy, Madeline Tracy, Megan Christensen, Gavin Henderson, Nicholas Christensen, Reed Tracy, and Isabella McDaniel. Joe is also survived by his brother William (Kathie Luther) Henderson of Urbana. He is preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Lynn Henderson. The Henderson’s are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, however due to renovations the memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, February 25, 2017 at First Congregational Church, Sterling, followed by refreshments. Visitation will be from 10- 11 AM, prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, or CGH Health Foundation.