William E. Henderson

William “Bill” Henderson, 71, of Dresbach, Minnesota, played his final lottery on August 13, 2025, leaving behind a trail of memories, laughter, and just enough mischief to keep his name spoken with a smile for years to come.

Born September 21, 1953, Bill was a proud truck driver who logged countless miles on the road and just as many stories off of it. He lived life on his own terms, quick with a laugh, sharp with an opinion, and always ready with the signature Dresbach middle finger wave that somehow managed to say both “I love ya” and “get lost” in the same breath.

Bill had a soft spot under his gruff exterior. He was a die-hard lottery player, a seasoned hunter, a racing enthusiast, and above all, fiercely loyal to his family. He adored his nieces, teaching them to drive in the field (sometimes against better judgment), picking on them endlessly, and making sure they knew they were loved, even when he was giving them a hard time. Lexi, know that while your phone may not ring that he is still watching over you. Sofia, when you take your real drivers test remember Bill taught you first. Clara, Bill was so proud that you wanted him to walk you down the aisle. His excitement about being a part of your special day was a reflection of the love and pride he felt for his family, a love that he will carry with him forever.

The boys, Travis, Terry, and Taylor were like his own, and the years of “trouble” they stirred up together were some of Bill’s happiest. He saw himself in their antics and couldn’t have been more proud of the men they became. They have done so much for him and while he didn't hunt in his new shack he did get to enjoy it and appreciate the love that went into it. He will always be in those woods with you!

Mike, You have been there over and over again and have always been someone he could count on. You supported him through some of his darkest times and were always his first call. An amazing friend.

Billy is survived by his beloved mom, Rosie; his sisters Cheryl (Bruce) Doering and Linda Havlik; his nieces Dena (Jaime) Durocher, Ashley Doering, and Clara (Brian Gabrielson) Havlik; and his great-nieces Lexi Durocher and Sofia Doering. Each of them carries a piece of his spirit and maybe a few of his antics.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Wayne, his brother in-law Roy, grandparents and far too many other great people to name. As he passed he was greeted by some of the best.

Bill wasn’t fancy, but he was real. He was the guy who’d give you the shirt off his back, even if he’d cuss you out while doing it. He lived loudly when he was young, loved fiercely, and left this world exactly as he lived in it, unapologetically himself.

Raise a glass, share a laugh and a favorite memory, Bill wouldn’t want it any other way.

Services will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 111 S. Oak St., La Crescent, MN 55947 from 2:00-6:00pm on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Hors d'oeuvres will be available at Schmidty’s Time Out Tavern in La Crescent from 3:00-6:00pm that day in memory of Bill.