IN LOVING MEMORY OF Dale Marvin Henderson

Reverend Dale M. Henderson, 79, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, went home to his Heavenly
home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hazleton,
Pennsylvania, Dale was the son of the late James and Marie (Gebauer), and welcomed by
maternal grandparents Franz Hugo and Augusta, and fraternal grandparents Michael and
Katherine.
Dale’s life was deeply shaped by his faith and his calling to serve others. He was a graduate of
the Mining and Mechanical Institute of Freeland, Pennsylvania. Dale earned his bachelor’s
degree in sociology and theology from Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and his
Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1973. He
was ordained into the ministry on May 24, 1973, and began his pastoral ministry with his first
calling at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Indiana, from 1973-1976. He pastored Faith
Lutheran Church in Evansville, Indiana from 1976-1982.
On August 9, 1969, Dale married the love of his life, Rosemary Barbara, after meeting at
Moravian University. Together, they built a life centered around their faith, their family, and a
deep commitment to serving others.
On January 25, 1982, Dale was installed as pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, where he
faithfully served and ministered to thousands throughout the Fort Wayne community for more
than 44 years. Dale had a remarkable gift for listening, encouraging, leading, and offering gentle
counsel. He had a way of making all people feel heard, cared for, and valued. Through his
compassion, wisdom, and unwavering faith, he touched countless lives and became a trusted
source of comfort and encouragement to generations of people.
Throughout his ministry, Dale also served as vacancy pastor for area congregations, including
Christ Lutheran (Evansville, IN), Grace Lutheran (Columbia City, IN), Calvary Lutheran (Angola,
IN), Emmanuel Lutheran (LaOtto, IN), Faith Lutheran (Fort Wayne, IN), Trinity Lutheran
(Wabash, IN), Living Faith Lutheran (Wabash, IN).
In addition to his parish churches, Dale served his communities in other ways. He was a
member of the Green River Kiwanis Club of Evansville, IN. He served as the Coordinator of
Evangelical Outreach for the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, and proudly served on the
Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue Planning Committee in Fort Wayne, Indiana, alongside Bishop John
D’Arcy. He was a 14-year member of the Board of Directors at the Lutheran Foundation, as well
as chairman of the Fairfield Committee, which established Lutheran Park in Fort Wayne,
Indiana.
While ministry was Dale’s vocation and calling in life, his greatest joy was his family. He
treasured his time with Rosemary and his daughters, and especially delighted in spending time
with his grandsons, Henry and Milo. With them, he embraced every opportunity to teach, create,
explore, and simply be together. He taught them countless subjects and life skills, shared his
love of acrylic painting and gardening, and found endless ways to turn ordinary days into

opportunities for learning and discovery. The memories they created together will remain with
them throughout their lives.
Dale was an avid gardener. He cultivated extensive vegetable and perennial gardens, and he
had a remarkable eye for design and beauty. He found joy in creating beautiful spaces and
nurturing things as they grew. He was also someone who could build, repair, and figure things
out, always ready to put his hands and mind to work.
Dale had a lifelong love of model trains, a passion that began in his youth and brought him
particular joy later in life as he shared it with his grandsons. Together, Dale, Henry, and Milo built
elaborate train sets in the basement. What began as a childhood passion became a treasured
way for Dale to connect with his grandsons, creating intricate worlds and, even more
importantly, memories that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Dale’s life was a beautiful reflection of his love for Jesus Christ. He loved his family. He loved
people. And above all, he loved serving the kingdom of God. His kindness, wisdom, humor,
faith, gentleness, and genuine concern for others will be deeply missed by all who had the
privilege of knowing him.
Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary Barbara; daughters, Amy E. (Timothy)
Henderson-Hill and Katherine A. Henderson; grandsons, Henry Jay and Milo James Hill;
brother, James (Betty); sister-in-law, Bernice; and five nieces and nephews: Beth, Cheryl,
James, John, and Thomas, as well as eight great nieces and nephews. In addition to his
parents, Dale was preceded in death by his precious grandson, Hugo Henderson Hill, and his
brother, Donald.
Visitation will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 3:00 to
5:00 p.m.
A funeral service celebrating Dale’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026,
at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2305 Goshen Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with visitation one
hour prior to the service.
Burial will immediately follow at Cedar Creek Cemetery in Auburn, Indiana. A luncheon will
follow the burial at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Memorials may be made in Pastor Dale’s honor to St. Matthew Lutheran Church. The family kindly
asks that if you have a favorite photograph or special memory of Pastor Dale, please bring it with you
and share it with the family.
Dale leaves a legacy of faith, love, service, and relationships that will continue through the many
lives he touched. His family, his congregation, and his community will carry his wisdom,
kindness, and the example of a life faithfully devoted to Christ. https://www.fairhavenfortwayne.com/obituaries/dale-henderson