Karla K. Henderson

Karla Johnson Henderson, age 73, passed away peacefully at her home in Holstein, IA on Thursday, September 24th, 2026 surrounded by loved ones from complications due to dementia.

Karla met the love of her life, Dennis K. Henderson, 55 years ago on October 3rd, 1971 while attending Simpson College in Indianola, IA. They married the following year on December 16th, 1972. Karla received a degree in Biology/Chemistry. She then attended St. Luke’s Hospital School of Medical Technology for a year to be a Medical Technologist (laboratory) in Cedar Rapids, IA. Following her ten years at various hospitals, she changed her career to law. She held positions as assistant Linn County Attorney, Assistant Iowa Attorney General, private practice, and retired as the Ida County Judicial Magistrate.

Free time was spent earning 3 Tae Kwon Do black belts, fishing, attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, and traveling with Dennis all while growing her faith in Jesus. Her six grandchildren gave her so much joy as she watched them enter adulthood.

Karla was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Louise Johnson of Cedar Rapids, IA.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, 9 months, and 8 days, Dennis K. Henderson; son Todd and wife Sarah (Kuhn) Henderson of Urbandale, IA; daughter Kristine and Dan Droegmiller, formerly of Holstein, IA; and 6 grandchildren: Cloe and Jaden Droegmiller, Benjamin and Cameron Spina, Aiden and Ainsley Henderson; brother, Mark and Karen Johnson of Cedar Rapids, IA; and her rescue Husky, Blue.

There will be a private family burial after her grandson returns from his Middle East deployment.