Our Staff

Donna Henderson, F.D.

Funeral Director/Owner

Donna obtained her license initially in Atlanta, GA and worked as lead funeral director and office manager for Alfonso Dawson's Mortuary. She returned to Des Moines in 2002 and became licensed in Iowa. She has owned Henderson's Funeral Service since 2002 and works with her husband Walt. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Donna is a Deaconess in her church and stays active with community functions. She loves reading, drawing and listening to music. Helping hurting families is a ministry for the Hendersons.

Telephone: 1-515-309-6550

Email: Donna@hendersonshp.com

Walt Henderson

Operations Manager

Walt Henderson is a Master Tailor and also the Operations Manager for Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home. Walt, a Viet Nam veteran, was employed by Sellers Brothers Morticians in Atlanta before he and his wife came back to Des Moines.

Telephone: 1-515-309-6550

Email: WaltH@hendersonshp.com

Walt Henderson III

Administrative Assistant

Walt is Walt and Donna's oldest son.  In addition to assisting his parents at Henderson's, Walt is also an event planner and owns his own business, VioDoug Entertainment.  In Walt's spare time, he loves to travel, meet new people and cook.

Email: Walt@hendersonshp.com

Matthew Gilgen, F.D.

Funeral Director

Licensed Funeral Director, Matthew Gilgen, has worked in Marshalltown and Reinbeck. He's a married father of one who loves to cook.

Email: matthew@hendersonshp.com

Theresa Dolan, F.D.

Funeral Director

Email: Theresa@hendersonshp.com

Jermain Henderson

Funeral Assistant

Jermain is the next generation of Henderson's to serve our community. He loves working with young people, and has three children of his own. He hopes to soon complete studies at DMACC in Mortuary Science.

Email: Jermain@hendersonshp.com

Lawrence Brooks

Funeral Assistant

Lawrence comes to us by way of Chicago. He is a minister and marvelous singer.  He has a passion for funeral service and plans to attend DMACC.

Email: Lawrence@hendersonshp.com

Vicki Clayton

Funeral Assistant

Lori Ann Brooks

Funeral Assistant

Funeral service is a family affair. Lori is Walt's sister and Jermain's mother. She loves music and shopping for others. She also has a daughter and three grandchildren.

Gerald Hockmuth

Maintenance Engineer

Gerald is responsible for our "Award Winning" grounds and building maintenance. Gerald is a former electrical engineer and missionary with ties to the Gideon Society. He loves "playing in the dirt" and working with his hands. He and his wife Marsha enjoy visiting with their children and grandchildren.

Gerald retired in December of 2017.

Lynn Young

Bookkeeper

Lynne is used to family owned businesses. She is a busy mother of three who loves crafting and reading. 

Telephone: 1-515-309-6550

Email: accounting@hendersonshp.com