Jay Henderson

VERONA - Jay R. Henderson, age 92, died on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Verona. He was born on February 2, 1923, in Chautauqua, NY to John Lester and Marie (Ming) Henderson. His childhood was spent first in New York state and then in the Verona, WI area graduating from Verona H.S. in 1941. There Jay participated in baseball, basketball and boxing, earning a total of 12 letters. Highlights included being elected captain of the basketball team and pitching the baseball team to first place in the Madison Suburban League. After graduation, Jay went on to play semi-pro and professional baseball. In 1941-42 he signed with the original Milwaukee Brewers and later signed with the Chicago White Sox and played with their farm club. At the age of 65 Jay hit a double and triple in an Old Timers' game. He proudly played his last game at age 70. On June 30, 1945, Jay married Bertha Mae Wetmore. They farmed in the Verona area ten years. Jay served on the Verona School Board for 18 years where he was active in the reorganization of the District to include the one-room country schools. He also was influential in passing the referendum for the present natatorium. As treasure of the District, Jay had the privilege of signing the high school diplomas of his four children. Jay joined Badger Coaches in 1956 driving approximately 3 million miles before his retirement in 1990. During this time he traveled through the 50 states and all of the Canadian Provinces. In addition he became vice-president of Gretchen Petersen Tours where he planned and escorted tours in 6 different continents. Jay retired from the tour business at the age of 75 and settled in Sun City West, AZ where he remained active in golf and bowling. He was proud to have bowled a 238 game on his 83rd birthday. Jay continued to enjoy walking, playing cards and going to numerous WI Club events through the years.

He is survived by his four children, Rebecca (Howard) Kietzke, Gloria (Jim) Kalscheur, Jayne (Chuck) Smith, and Richard (Kathy); seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Jay is further survived by many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Bertha; sister, Juanita (Chuck) Humphrey; two brothers, Roy and Lloyd (Pat).

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona, on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. A visitation will be held from NOON until time of service at the funeral home. Private inurnment at Verona Cemetery.

He will be dearly missed by his loving family. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com