Henderson, Robert F.

Robert F. Henderson, 77, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, after a long battle with lung cancer. An Iowa City native, Bob attended St. Mary's High School and joined the U.S. Navy in 1951. In his last year of service, he served on the U.S.S. Philippine Sea, sailing the Pacific Ocean to Japan. He courted his neighbor, Dorothy Marie Simon, while on leave in 1954. The two were married June 13, 1959, at St. Mary's Church, and this summer celebrated 51 years of wedded bliss.

Bob was a fixture in and around Iowa City, since returning from the service in 1955. After working for several different companies, he joined Capitol Implement Company, where his father had worked years before, and retired after 35 years. He was also a Past Exalted Ruler of the local Elks Club and member of the Knights of Columbus.

Devoted father of John (New York City), born in 1964 and Jay (Minneapolis), born in 1971, he was a constant presence in the lives of his sons. He took pride in making his sons' Halloween costumes, including the most memorable Herky the Hawk and the 1970s favorite Smiley Face. He welcomed his daughters-in-law, Abby Spilka (John) and Kristy Lavigne (Jay) as if they were his own daughters.

Active at St. Mary's Church, Bob and Dorothy have dedicated their retirement to helping others. Together they ran “Bob's Dogs” at the annual Johnson County Relay for Life, and up until recently staffed the visitor desk at Mercy Hospital the first and third Friday of each month.

Mercy Hospital was the hub of activity for Bob, whether he volunteered, attended exercise class or participated in their cancer support group, which he and Dorothy attended as a couple since the mid-1990s. Bob provided inspiration and friendship to so many cancer survivors and their spouses. Mary, the leader of the group, told the family back in June “Bob taught us all how to live and he taught us all how to die.” His last gift to the community was to donate his eyes to the Lion's Eye Bank.

---- Bob traveled the world with his beloved Dorothy, visiting Hawaii, China, Australia and cruising the Mediterranean. As the past president of the Iowa Corvair Enthusiasts, he traveled the local highways of the Midwest as well, enjoying the annual autumn tour even last year.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Stella and Harvey Henderson; and brother, Eugene.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dorothy; sons, John (Abby) and Jay (Kristy); brothers, Richard (Colleen) and Don (Shirley); and sister Eleanor.

Memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City, with the Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Burial with military graveside rites will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Iowa City. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lensing Funeral Service. A parish wake service will begin at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be directed to