Click Here to View the Mass for Lisa

Dr. Lisa Katheryn Henderson passed away February 25, 2023 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND at the age of 53.

Gathering of Family and Friends with a time of sharing will be Monday, March 6, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, with a Vigil at 6:30 pm, all at the Centennial Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Hettinger, ND.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. MT on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hettinger, ND.  Fr. Raphael Obatama and Deacon Mike Mellmer will officiate.  Fellowship and Lunch will follow the Mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed here on the obituary page at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com

Lisa Katheryn Brettin was born on October 24, 1969, in Hettinger, North Dakota. Lisa was the first of two children born to Douglas and Margaret (Marion) Brettin.  Margaret was home while Doug served in the Vietnam War.  Upon Doug's honorable discharge stateside, the family lived mostly in the Mound, Minnesota area.

From the age of 7, Lisa knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian.  Her best friend Holly Olson, of St. Bonifacius, MN can attest to that since their friendship began at that tender age.  Lisa ultimately accomplished her goal with hard work and dedication.  She attended undergraduate school at the College of St. Benedict and then completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation, Lisa began her professional career at the Hobart Animal Clinic in Hobart, Indiana.  There, owner and colleague Dr. Harold Thompson, of Hobart, IN quickly became both a valued mentor and a friend for life.

On New Year's Eve 2000, Lisa met her husband-to-be Wade Henderson while visiting family in Hettinger.  For Wade it was love at first sight.  Lisa's smile and laughter sealed the deal.  The fact that she was funny, caring, and loving was a bonus. In 2002, Wade and Lisa were united in marriage and moved to their ranch near Lodgepole South Dakota.  Lisa happily became stepmother to Jamie and Jordan.  She embraced this role, carefully giving each new relationship time to flourish and sharing with pride their accomplishments.

Lisa also continued her lifelong passion, practicing at the West River Vet Clinic and happily sporting a vehicle licensed PETVET.  Lisa was instrumental in the clinic's growth. She eventually became a co-owner, helping the clinic expand and build a new location to better serve the community.  Above all else, Lisa was dedicated to the care of her clients and their owners.  Difficult cases fascinated and energized Lisa.  For her, the practice of medicine was both a science and an art.

Lisa was a remarkable person who made an impact on countless others.  Lisa took great joy in treasured friendships formed with clients, vet crew, and colleagues.  Everyone that made her laugh had a special place in her heart.  Everyone that showed kindness was a blessing.  Lisa also felt blessed by family both nearby and distant.  It was so easy to reunite, Lisa often said that conversations with family never end – they are just sometimes on pause.

Lisa suffered a severe stroke on February 12, 2023.  She was lovingly cared for by the medical staff at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck and WRHS in Hettinger, North Dakota.  She died February 25, 2023 while Wade held her hand, blessed by each moment he spent with her.

Left to mourn her loss are those who will miss and love her forever, including her husband Wade, parents Douglas and Margaret Brettin, Palm Harbor, FL, stepson Jamie (Kira) Henderson, Lodgepole, SD, stepson Jordan Henderson (significant other Claire Castle) Dallas, TX, mother-in-law Jeanne Henderson, Hettinger, ND, sister-in-law Pam (John) Hericks, Eden Prairie, MN, brother-in law Mike (Christa) Henderson, Sioux Falls, SD, sister-in-law Katie Brettin, Minnetonka, MN, niece Margo Brettin, Minnetonka, MN, grandsons Paxton and Kellen Henderson, Lodgepole, SD, along with numerous, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.

Lisa was preceded in death by her grandparents Claude and Geraldine Marion, grandparents Ervin and Lu Vern Brettin, brother Brian Brettin, cousin Tom Bendel, father-in-law Darrell Henderson and uncle-in-law Mike Bendel.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial will be established by Lisa's family.