Stanley C. Henderson

Stanley Condit Henderson, 84, of Adel, IA, passed away Monday, March 9th, 2026, at Edencrest at Adel. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 30, 2026, at New Hope Church in Adel at 10:00 am, with Mark Henderson officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, March 29th from 4:00-6:00 pm. A private burial will be Monday, March 30 in the Ida Grove Cemetery, Ida Grove, IA. Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee is in charge of arrangements.

Stan Henderson was born on March 26, 1941 in rural Correctionville, IA, the son of Howard and Lucille (Kraft) Henderson. He was raised on the family farm with 5 siblings where he learned the values of faith, family, and hard work. He attended rural school and graduated from Correctionville High School. He continued his education at Wayne State College, graduating with a degree in Education in 1963. It was there that he met Mary (Otten) Henderson, his best friend and love of his life.

On April 18, 1964, Stan and Mary were married at St. Matthews church, in rural Pilger. They started their life together in Wakefield, NE where Stan was teaching and Mary was finishing school. During their time there, they welcomed their first child, Susan. Soon after, they moved to Glenwood, IA. where Stan taught and coached for seven years.. They purchased their first home and welcomed their second child Alan. Stan completed his Master’s degree at Creighton University and they moved to Ida Grove in 1973 where Stan became the elementary school principal. Stan was involved in farming with his dad, outdoor activities with his children and trips to visit and help family. Soon after, their third and fourth children Mark and Todd joined the family, Stan and Mary purchased a farm south of Ida Grove. Their growing family enjoyed life on the acreage with a large garden, apple orchard and a variety of animals. Once the kids were in college, Stan and Mary built their dream house in town, one designed to allow them to care for Stan’s dad Howard.

Their next big move came after Stan's retirement from education when he and Mary started a new chapter of life in Waukee, Iowa, closer to extended family. For the next 20 years they were both involved in church, traveling, and time with family and grandkids. They enjoyed time with each grandkid, teaching them to ride bikes, playing on area playgrounds, visiting ice cream shops, and making lots of great memories. Stan’s grandkids all remember grandpa asking about what they were involved in, playing active games, and sharing his wisdom in a quiet, steady voice. He always let them know he loved them. Stan demonstrated his love to his friends and family through his servant leadership. He was always there to support you in times of need or with special projects. In everything he did, it was his goal to live Christ-like.

Stan was there to support Mary through the physical and health challenges that come with age. His faith was demonstrated in word and deed throughout his life. As they made several hard decisions and moves later in life, those around them could quickly see their faith and their love for each other. His ultimate hope in life and death was in his faith in Jesus Christ. He loved the gospel of John which clearly stated that “He who has the Son, has life”. He instilled his love for Jesus in his children and grandchildren through the way that he loved God and loved others.

Stan is survived by four children: Susan (Al) Hofmann, Adel, IA, their children—Josh and Lauren; Alan (Lisa) Henderson, Ida Grove, IA, their children—Jacob (Beth) Henderson, their children—Eloise and Eleanor, Jenna Henderson, Alyssa (Tim) Kuypers, Kally Henderson; Mark (Kari) Henderson, Ankeny, IA, their children—Kara (Nate) Steffenson, their children—Alaina and Bennett, Grant (Jayden) Henderson, Ella (Jaxon) Messler, their child—Weston; Todd (Lori) Henderson, Rib Lake, WI, their children—Jed, Blake, Aubree. He is also survived by 4 sisters— Charlotte Cockburn, Sioux City, IA, Shirley Williamson, Clear Lake, IA, Larhee Henderson, Des Moines, IA, Charm (Louis) Russell, Ankeny, IA; as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, MaryAnn Lorna (Otten) Henderson, his parents, and brother, Terry Henderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be sent to New Hope Church in Adel, IA or GoServ Global in Ankeny, IA. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Edencrest at Adel and Suncrest Hospice for their loving support.