Arno "Hank" A. Henderson Jr.

A memorial service for Hank Henderson will be held at the US Border Patrol Station at 502 State Avenue S. in Warroad, MN, on Thursday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m.

Arno Augustus ”Hank” Henderson Jr. was born May 15, 1924 in Houston, TX to Arno Augustus Henderson Sr. and Blanche Hardin (nee Jones) Henderson.

Hank graduated from Reagan High School in Houston, TX, attended pre-med at the University of Houston, and Texas A & I.

Hank was a World War II and Korean War veteran.  He enlisted in the US Navy December 27, 1941, serving as field surgical technician (U.S. Marine Corpsman) with the 1st Marine Division in the Guadalcanal Campaign, (battle of Okinawa), and as the Chief Pharmacist Mate aboard LCI 765 (while serving in the China and Pacific Fleet).  He was awarded an appointment to the US Naval Academy but resigned to request an assignment to combat and attended Chemical Warfare Instructor School.  Hank was discharged in 1947, recalled to active duty for the Korean conflict during which he served at Camp Pendleton training Marine Corpsmen.  His final discharge was on May 24, 1952.  He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, China Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with battle stars, Korean War Medal, Hospital Corps Commendations Award, and the Good Conduct Medal. 

Hank was sworn in as a Border Patrol Inspector January 10, 1949, serving until his retirement May 25, 1974 in the position of Station Supervisor.  Additionally, he served as a Border patrol fixed wing pilot. Hank and his family were transferred to Warroad in January, 1962, where he resided for the remainder of his life.  He was a founding member of the Retired Border Patrol Association and the Border Patrol Museum.

Hank loved the Warroad area, the people, and especially Lake of the Woods.  He started Wayward Wind Sailing Charters, which became quite successful and through which he connected with recreational sailors from around the world, many of whom became lifelong friends.  He and his wife, Virginia, founded ESCAPE (Exciting Scenic Canadian/American Power Boat Excursion) and the Northwest Angle – Lake of the Woods Resort Association.  They were very active in LOWISA (Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association), Kenora Yacht Club, and the Northern Harbor Yacht Club.

Hank was dedicated to community service throughout his life.  He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and earned the coveted Silver Beaver Award. He was a Past Master and Secretary of Masonic Lodge #267, from which he received his 50-year pin, and Adjutant and Chaplain of American Legion Post #25. He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, serving on the Bishop’s Committee and as a lay preacher.  Hank served as Chairman of the Warroad Community Chest, Director and member of the Heartland Association, member of the Warroad Chamber of Commerce, and Lake of the Woods Tourist Association.  Hank’s final act of community service occurred through the donation of his body to the University of North Dakota Medical School.  His remains were escorted to Grand Forks, ND by a contingent of Border Patrol and other Law Enforcement.

Hank enjoyed many hobbies including mink ranching, sailing and cruising Lake of the Woods, gardening, rock collecting, birding, and building.  He authored several books and publications, including the Vacation and Cruising Guide for Lake of the Woods,  No Flag for My Coffin,  and a column in “Water, Woods, and Wildlife.”

Hank is survived by his wife of 40 years, Virginia (nee Meyer), and a blended family of four daughters: Lisa White (Mike Ronald) of Louisville, KY, Laurel DeMolee (Dan) of Warroad, MN, Dana Buffum (Al) of Warroad, MN, and Tanya “Nat” Henderson of Warroad, MN.  One son: Earl W. Burress Jr. (Kelsey) of Las Vegas, NV, and several nieces and nephews.  Grandchildren: Josh and Ruth White; Jaqueline, William, Austin, and Layla DeMolee; Louis III and Wayne Krueger; Fred Blinsmon Jr;  Michael, Victor, and Max Krueger; Kelvin Manley and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one older sister, Ruth Hay (Harold) of Houston and one younger brother, Donovan, of St. Augustine, TX. 

 Service Information