Tributes

Michael Leroy Henderson, age 65, left this world to enter eternal salvation on July 2, 2023. Michael was born March 9, 1958 in Kalkaska, Michigan to Arvid “Zeke” Henderson and Erma Lucille Warner Henderson. Michael was the second of four boys. His older brother, Rick Henderson, was his protector and his go-to person about all dilemmas. His brother Dennis Henderson (Jolanta) was the one he wanted to talk to when he needed some laughter. His baby brother, Andy (Molly) Henderson, was the sweet, tender-hearted one that Michael worried about most. Karen Mackenzie, Mike’s devoted companion, was at his side through thick and thin and helped him throughout his final battle. Michael was raised in Rapid City and remained there all of his life. With those roots, he formed deep friendships with the entire community. He was loved and respected by all. Michael graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1976. During his time there, he played football and threw the shot put for the Track and Field team, setting records for distance. His love for the throws was evident as he attended nearly every John Lober Honor Roll Track & amp; field meet as a competitor or as a volunteer at the shot put. Mike also loved lifting weights and shared his knowledge of powerlifting to many generations of athletes. He went on to attend Central Michigan University for a short time before determining that college wasn’t the right answer for him. He followed in Zeke’s footsteps by becoming a mason. He had an absolute passion for rocks and loved spending time finding, sorting, and splitting stones. His legacy lives on with the beautiful stone fireplaces, pillars, walls, and shorelines throughout the area as well as buildings that he and other volunteers built around the Kalkaska Athletic Complex. Michael was married to Karen Sherwood from 1998 until 2008. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Nicholle Eugenia Sherwood Trubiroha and Kelly Jeanne Sherwood. They were blessed with three amazing grandchildren, Paige Hansen, Lainey Trubiroha and Brody Sherwood whom Mike loved deeply. Michael had four nephews and two nieces: Dylan (Lindsay) Henderson, Deryk (Kyleigh) Henderson, Gabriella Henderson, Mykolas Henderson, Alayna Stewart and Jack Stewart. There was barely a moment that went by that he was not helping any of them with sage advice, lending a skid-steer, or offering throwing critiques. Michael’s love for his family was endless. He would do anything for any one of them. That love extended to everyone he met. He had such a kind, gentle soul that enabled him to make friends with people from every walk of life. He had friendships that lasted a lifetime with many, but even those who just met him could sense how big his heart was. He was selfless and giving to all that he came in contact with. Mike was preceded in death by his Mother Erma and Father “Zeke”. He is survived by his three brothers, devoted companion Karen Mackenzie , daughters’ Nikki and Kelly, Grandchildren Paige, Lainey, and Brody, step mother Patricia (Udell) Henderson, Step sisters Debra Meadows, Sharon (Rex) Alspaugh, Judy Fritz, and step brother David Meadows. Michael’s family would like to thank all of those who assisted during his illness. There were so many that answered the call to come to his aide, whether taking him to appointments, making a meal, picking up groceries, or just sitting and talking with him. Special thanks to the Kalkaska Cancer and Infusion Center, and those that built the ramp to his house. Listing each person would take pages, but know that we know who you are and we thank you so very much for showing your love to Michael. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Kalkaska Church of Christ from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Kalkaska Church of Christ at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Clearwater Township Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Michael "Mike" Leroy Henderson

March 9, 1958 - July 2, 2023