Ralph B. Henderson

Ralph B. Henderson, 45, of Boulder, Colorado formerly of Clermont, Iowa died in an aviation accident in New Mexico on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.

He was born on November 2, 1969, at Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa, the son of Bert O.  and Zelpha K. (Stringham) Henderson.

Ralph attended the Valley schools, graduating in 1988 as president of his senior class. He continued his education at Iowa State University, graduating with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering in 1992. He was employed as an engineer in Colorado and Iowa, eventually owning his own software company.

Ralph married Nikki Petersen in 2004. To this union three children were born: Bert, Oscar and Vera. They were later divorced.

He loved growing up on the family farm. His favorite summer activity was the Fourth of July bike races in Clermont. This sparked a lifelong passion for bike riding and racing. He raced competitively for many years. Ralph also loved flying his own plane, traveling and meeting people. His favorite people were his children, whom he loved beyond measure.

Ralph was full of life and lived life to its fullest. He was a loyal and compassionate friend who will be missed by his family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Bert O. and Zelpha K. Henderson; his children, Bert, Oscar and Vera; his sister, Dr. Helen Wood; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Wood; niece, Beatrix Wood; special friend Johanna Catchings and his numerous friends and relatives.

Celebration of Life Services were held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont.

Friends called from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2014 at the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Inurnment was in God's Acres, Clermont.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa assisted the family with arrangements.           49u49