Jeffrey Lawrence Henderson

MADISON, WI – Jeffrey Lawrence Henderson, age 81, died on Thursday, January 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Jeff was born on December 19, 1944 in Burlington, WI. A graduate of Waterford Union High School in 1963, Jeff excelled in sports, with an emphasis in both Football and Track. Post high school, Jeff continued as part of the family tradition and worked in the Grocery industry at Sentry Foods in Burlington, WI. as a butcher.

Service was a large part of Jeff’s life, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964, serving in Wurzburg, Germany, as well as several bases throughout Vietnam. Jeff served his country with honor, earning both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for service to his country. Jeff was discharged in July of 1968, and it was time to take another path.

In June of 1967, Jeff married the former Suzanne Cramer, and their union produced their son, Aaron. As his first son was born, Jeff had begun his career in the newer field of Computer Programmer. Jeff attended one of the first data processing schools in Milwaukee, Wis. and began a career that lasted until his retirement in 2010.

Jeff went between two different companies in his working life: Rural Mutual Life Insurance Co., and he spent the majority of his time at General Casualty Insurance, beginning when their company was based on Wilson Street in Downtown Madison to the time where their campus was moved out to Sun Prairie, WI.

As family was one of the most important things to Jeff, upon his divorce from Suzanne, he then married the love of his life, Barbara Gher-Henderson, on October 8, 1983 until her passing in May of 2021. On July 30, 1984, Barb and Jeff welcomed a son, Kyle.

Golf was the other. Nothing would please Jeff more than to be out on a green anywhere in the country, as he had the opportunity to play courses throughout the country from sea to shining sea. Nothing pleased Jeff more than to be out on a golf course with his wife, his sons, and later with their wives as well. He later got to share that gift again with his grandson, as Kelby entered the world on January 3, 2014.

Jeff is survived by his sons, Aaron (Michele) Henderson of Stuart, FL and Kyle (Elizabeth) Henderson of Waunakee, WI. 1 grandchild (Kelby) and 5 sisters. He will be dearly missed by his extended family of brothers in law and sisters in law and their respective families.

Jeff was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, parents Virginia and Raymond Henderson, brothers Howard and Raymond Henderson, 2 sisters-in law, 1 brother-in-law and his ex-wife Suzanne.

Services will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee, WI on Monday, January 19th at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held at Peace Lutheran Church that same day from 9:30am-11:00am. Military honors will be held after the funeral service, and then a luncheon will be served inside Peace Lutheran Church.

Jeff has made the following request for those who attend his service, and these were his wishes: The service was not to be held on a weekend - as that time is for both families and golf, TIES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED – and if ties are worn you run the risk of having them cut off, and golf hats are preferred. A selection of hats may be available for “permanent borrowing” for the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Jeff's name to Badger Honor Flight.  You may donate at the link below.  

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406