Harry Henderson

Harry Danner Henderson, 91, of Platteville, formerly of Potosi, died on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Gray's Nursing Home, Platteville. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a time of sharing, music, and fellowship. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com

Harry was born on April 25, 1923 in Blanchard, Iowa, the son of Vern and Lucile (Holt) Henderson. He was raised on a small family farm in south-west Iowa and graduated from Blanchard High School, in Iowa. He furthered his education at Mesa Junior College in Grand Junction, CO, earned his bachelors and Masters degrees from Iowa State University, and his PHD in Agriculture Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He taught and coached at Shipley High School, in Iowa, until he went on to teach at the University of Wisconsin Platteville from 1948-1966. From 1962-1963 he worked for Food and Agriculture Org. (UN) in Rome, Italy. He was the president of Ahwaz Agriculture College in Iran from 1966-67; professor at American University in Beirut, Lebanon from 1967-84; in those years, he also worked two years at University of Swaziland, South Africa, and two years at University of Kano, Nigeria. He received the International Agriculture Engineering Award, Phi Beta Kappa.

Harry then relocated to Potosi, Wisconsin where he operated the St. John Mine from 1984 to 2009. He was an active member in the Masonic Lodge, Rotary, Lions, the Potosi Chamber of Commerce, Tri-state tourism council, Point of beginnings, Governor's council on tourism, and the Potosi historical society. He was also very active in the preservation of the Potosi Brewery. He established the Harry/Bette Henderson Lecturer-residence fund, to enhance understanding for all students intentionally, at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. He enjoyed traveling and had been in some 80 countries around the world. He enjoyed audiences with kings, queens, popes, and worked with Nobel Prize winners. He loved children, sports, education, and his family. His life and home were always open to all. His most treasured memory was being selected as Catfish Parade marshal in Potosi, WI. Hank's life was well lived and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Harry is survived by three sons, Lonnie of Lancaster, WI; Randy (Mary) of Potosi, WI; Jeffry (Nancy) of Platteville, WI; grandchildren, Scott (Jenny) of Racine, WI; Jahlieh of Madison; Menzie of Minneapolis, MN; Melissa Swab of Marion, IA; Jessica Didier (Dan) of Cedar Rapids, IA; great-grandchildren, Carleishia Valentine of Bagley, WI; Michael Duke of Marion, IA; Logan, Taylor, and Isabella Didier of Cedar Rapids; Eden Colquhoun of Cedar Rapids; Maxwell, Chloe, and Kennedy Henderson of Racine, WI; great-great-grandchild, Louis Lessard of Bagely, WI. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Bette Elaine.