Evelyn “Evie” Henderson

Evelyn Pauline (Loges) Henderson was born on June 25, 1935 to Peter and Cecelia (Bernardy) Loges in Seaforth, MN. She passed away in her home on April 22, 2026, and entered eternal life with Jesus. All of her children were blessed to be with her in her last days.

Evelyn grew up living small town life in Seaforth, Vesta, and Belview with her parents and 5 siblings. Starting young she had a love for reading and in elementary school won many spelling bees, even advancing to state competition.

At age 13 she began working at the “egg plant.” She worked the summer and fall on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. when no inspectors would be present. She worked until Christmas and earned enough money to pay for school lunches at Redwood Falls and buy some new clothes.

She met Don Henderson of Marshall and they were united in marriage on January 13, 1951. In their young married life they raced stock cars, mom in the “powder puff.” She was a great driver and if not for a clutch going out would have won the championship. Their racing days were short-lived as children arrived and work became a priority.

She worked at various cafes, Mike’s Cafe being close to her heart. She loved waitressing and often worked 2 jobs to make ends meet. She then went to food service at the new Southwest MN State College. While there she moved to janitorial duties and her work ethic paved the way for her to become the “Building Service Foreman.” She was loved and respected as a boss and retired with a well-deserved pension. Evelyn said, “I learned something at every job I had and no job was demeaning as long as I earned money honestly.” Also notable, while working at SW State she took classes and earned her GED.

Her strong faith and giving service were evident throughout her life. She volunteered in many capacities, from reading to nursing home residents, leading the Rosary before mass, and serving lunch at funerals at both Holy Redeemer in Marshall and St. Joseph’s in Lamberton. She did this into her early 80s! She was often the last ‘mom’ standing.

Mom’s love of reading never ceased and she could read for hours without tiring, she also had a love for music and dancing. At the first sound of a light-hearted song or polka, she would be on her feet dancing with that beautiful smile. She loved staying active and played slow pitch softball into her 50’s with a few of her daughters and her oldest granddaughter on the team. She was the pitcher and quite possibly the best in her league. Some favorite activities in the last couple years were table games with ping pong balls and “volleyball” with a large rubber ball in the living room (while seated). She used every part of her body to return the ball and was amazingly good.

It brought smiles and unforgettable laughter to her and her children and grandchildren. In quiet times she enjoyed looking at family photos, watching “The Waltons,” “Little House on the Prairie,” and “old westerns.” Daily Mass and the Rosary on EWTN were an integral part of her day.

In these last years as her dementia progressed, she loved helping her children cook and bake, fold laundry, clean up, paint small projects, and any other chores to keep her active. Every morning, and after naps, she made her bed meticulously. The joy of being needed was important to her.

Together with God, Evie and Don created a legacy of 10 children, 36 grandchildren, 96 great grandchildren, and 30 great great grandchildren and the legacy continues. Seventy five of her 90 years were devoted to loving her children and grandchildren.

Evelyn is survived by her 10 children: Kathi (Marti) Deuel of Marshall; Don (Jane) Henderson of Marshall; Vicki Espinosa of Sioux Falls; Jacki Hexamer of Sioux Falls; Jeff Henderson of Marshall; Sandy (Doug) Decock of Lamberton; Tammy (Bob) Hoving of Balaton; Mary Sienko of Pueblo West, Co; Joe (Doreen) Henderson of Pipestone; and Dede (Glenn) Scafella of Dallas, Pa. Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Jenelle Henderson of Alpharetta, GA.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years Don (DW) Henderson; her parents Peter and Cecelia Loges; her siblings and in-laws: Paul Loges; Lester (Barb) Loges; Melvin (Valeria) Loges; Joyce (Kenny) Penske; and Kenny (Rosie) Loges. Don’s siblings and in-laws: Warren (Allegra) Henderson; Phyllis (Marv) Hurley; Ardith (Jake) Friesen; Jack (Leslie) Henderson; and Jim Henderson. Two grandsons Matthew Henderson and Jeffrey Decock; a great granddaughter Matthea Stands, and two sons-in-law David Hexamer and Allan Prouty. Blessed be their memory and may her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Evelyn’s memory to Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Marshall, MN, St. Joseph’s RC Church, Lamberton, MN, Murray County Hospice, Slayton, MN and any Pro Life Ministry.

Arrangements with Horvath Funeral Service Marshall, Minnesota 507.532.4522 www.horvathfuneralservice.com