Please join us in celebrating the life of Chuck Henderson. This will be a relaxed gathering with food provided, time to visit, and an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share memories or stories of Chuck. Please come as you are (just as he would have wanted) and help us honor his life and legacy.
Chuck Henderson
October 19, 1946 – November 12, 2025
Merriam Woods, Missouri
Formerly of Des Moines, Iowa
Chuck passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after complications related to his heart. Known for being ornery and stubborn—but loved deeply by all who knew him—Chuck lived a full and memorable life.
In his younger years, he was a proud member of the Bricklayers Union before moving into maintenance work, where he remained until his retirement. Chuck had a gift for fixing just about anything; with a little caulking and a lot of know-how, he could make almost anything work again. Beyond his mechanical skills, Chuck was born naturally artistic, possessing the ability to freehand draw and paint almost any subject simply by studying an image.
Chuck had always dreamed of living in Southern Missouri, and he spent the last four years of his life happily fulfilling that dream.
He loved his hair and his Harley, and anyone who knew him could tell you he took great pride in both.
More than anything, Chuck wanted the best for the people he loved. He was the kind of man who would go without if it meant someone else had what they needed. His quiet generosity and willingness to help—whether fixing something or simply showing up—will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his girlfriend, Gwyn Hoffman; his daughters Crystal (Bill) Venhaus of Van Meter, Mandy (Jake) Koehn of Bondurant, and Nicole (Jeff) Kurth of Dexter; grandchildren Rochelle (Colby) Foster, Sam (Costner) Ching, Jonah Koehn, A.J. Venhaus, Carli Venhaus, Stevie Kurth, Jayden Kurth, Trace Vondra, Elli Kurth, and Rhett Kurth; great-grandchildren Calee Foster and Bridger Foster; and his sisters Betty Powell, Laura Van Gundy, and Esther Halterman; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends who were like family to him.
Chuck was welcomed into heaven by his parents and his siblings who passed before him.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Pints Pub & Patio, 319 Court Ave., Des Moines. Free parking is available close by on Court Ave, 4th Street, or 1 block east at the Polk County Courthouse parking lot.
Chuck’s passing has left our family heartbroken and facing unexpected expenses. To help ease the financial burden on his family, we are kindly asking for financial support in lieu of flowers to assist with funeral and memorial costs. We are deeply grateful for every donation, prayer, and shared memory.
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