Neva Henderson

Neva Anita (Burfeind) Henderson, age 91, of Winona, and formerly of Pickwick, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Lake Winona Manor.

Mom was born at home in Stockton, MN, on June 2, 1930, to Ernst and Elsie (Fritz) Burfeind, and lived on a farm on German Ridge above Stockton.

Neva and Mike were married on May 14, 1949, in Lewiston, MN, and they were happily married for 71 ½ years until Dad’s passing on October 18, 2020.  They are survived by their children: Kathleen Pyburn, Susan (Steve) Mansfield, Blake (Judy) Henderson, Tracy (Mike) Trocinski, and Lance (Terri Douglas) Henderson. She has 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 5 ½  great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Dale (Lois) Burfeind, as well as other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; and son-in-law, Gary Pyburn.

After their marriage, Neva and Mike moved to Nebraska, where Kathy was born.  They later moved back to Winona and farmed for many years in Pleasant Valley, with the other four children being born during this time.  In 1969, Mom and Dad moved to Pickwick.  In 1980, their home was flooded out, and they relocated to another home in Pickwick and started over.  Mom worked many different jobs during her life, including Schulers, Lake Center Switch, EMD, cleaning houses, and babysitting…but, her favorite job in life was that of being our mom!  Mom and Dad did craft sales for sixteen years, and they made many new friends.

She was a member of St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Pickwick.

Neva loved to make lefsa and scrubbies, and she would spend the year preparing for the Christmas season.  Mom was a very unselfish person who showed her love for her family every day.  Besides being a stubborn German, she was also very accepting of everyone whether a friend, family, or a stranger.  Neva was a hardworking woman who never complained…except maybe when she was short-changed on shrimp!  When something bad happened, she always said, “Well, it could be worse.”

Mom is reunited with Dad again.  They are probably dancing among the clouds, enjoying craft and flea markets again.

Thank you to all of the staff at Watkins Manor and Lake Winona Manor for the care, nurturing, and love you gave Mom unconditionally.  Please know how immensely you are appreciated!

Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Friday, February 11, 2022, at St. Luke’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Pickwick.  The Reverend James Nelson will officiate.  Immediately after the service, a meal will be served in the church basement, with burial at Bush Cemetery following the meal.

Pallbearers will be Neva’s grandchildren.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Neva’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.