Gary Wayne Henderson, 77 of Ankeny, died Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born August 18, 1945, in Ames, Iowa, the son of Leslie Thomas and Dorothy-Jean (Boyd) Henderson. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1963 and earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1968. Gary furthered his education by earning his master's degree from Drake University as well. On July 4, 1992, he was united in marriage to Linda June Brooks at their home in Slater. Gary worked at John Deere in Ankeny for over 35 years, retiring as the Information Systems Manager in 2001.

Gary's hobbies included most anything that involved having fun with family and friends, while keeping score. Golf became a passion during High School that ultimately won him many, many tournaments, as well as a Varsity Letter at Iowa State University in 1967. His enthusiasm and loyalty to his Alma Mater was as legendary as his Tailgating skills at every ISU game that he could attend, including road games and of course those rare Bowl appearances. Traveling has been in his blood since his youth as he ventured to Greece as a Foreign Exchange Student during his senior year at Nevada High. Gary never stopped looking at maps and interesting destinations after that and was the ultimate travel companion.

Gary is survived by his wife, Linda of Ankeny; his children, Teresa (Mark) Fisher of Maxwell, Brad (Joan) Henderson of Las Vegas, NV, Alan (Kristi) Forbes of Waterford, WI and Bret (Kelly) Henderson of Panama City, FL; his grandchildren, Mallory (Josh) Lankford, Justin Lintz (Darcy Doty), Douglas (Kalah) Lintz, Trevor Henderson (Alexis Adler), Grace Henderson, Parker Forbes, Olivia Henderson and Sydney Forbes, Britney Subia, Jacob Subia, Caleb Subia, Madison Subia; his great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Gannon, Mallorie, Jackson, Laken, Kinleigh, Aliyah, Bentleigh, Piper, Braelynn, Kyrie, Logyn, Avery, Jayde, Finn and Fisher; and his brothers, Paul (Francy) Henderson of Windsor, CO and Dennis (Denise) Henderson of Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Linda Henderson; and his brother, Kirk Henderson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. Following the memorial service, the family will continue Gary's celebration of his life at the Ballard Country Club (30608 US HWY 69) in Huxley. The family invites you to "Wear Gary" for the day, whatever attire represents how you know him, ISU Gary, Golf Gary, John Deere Gary, Travel Gary, even hats are allowed, just not that black and gold stuff. The memorial service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by going to www.rasmussonfh.com and clicking on Gary's photo then tribute wall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WesleyLife Hospice in memory of Gary.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com