Donald G. and John Henricksen Memorial Scholarship

Donald Gene Henricksen was born in April of 1942, growing up in DeWitt, graduating from DeWitt High School in 1960. Don continued his education in finance at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1967. Farming in Clinton, Scott and Jackson Counties following his graduation. Don was farming 1600 acres in 1981. Patricia McDonald and Donald were married in August of 1966. They had three sons, William, Thomas, and John. Don enjoyed his children, riding horses and reading to them whenever he had time.

Don died on November 4, 1981 in a farm accident. His organs were donated to others. The endowed scholarship gives others an opportunity to an education and the organ donation gives others a chance at a healthy life.



John Michael Henricksen was born on November 30, 1974, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Donald and Patricia (McDonald) Henricksen. He is a 1993 graduate of Central DeWitt High School. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 1996. John pursued a career in finance in Chicago. Later he attended the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business where he received a Masters of Business Administration in 2002. John continued to excel in the financial world, his most recent position was as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Easy Ice, a company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

John married Lisa Horn on April 14, 2007, in Sedona, Arizona. They lived in London for two years shortly after being married and pursued their dreams of traveling and living abroad. John and Lisa welcomed Jake Henricksen on September 26, 2010, and Benjamin Henricksen on July 20. 2012, both boys were born in Chicago, Illinois. Of all the roles John had in his life, he relished being a father to these two boys the most. John dearly loved his family, friends, the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs and traveling. He was an avid athlete, competing in her 25 marathons and 3 Ironman Triathlons.
John passed away while swimming on Thursday, February 2, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona. John was 48. He had a generous spirit and it was his wish to donate his organs, by doing so, he was able to provide the gift of life to many others. Thus, this generous spirit continues to others with the gift of education.