Eli "Melon" Nicholas Henderson , age 11, was taken too soon on Saturday, April 15, 2023. He was born in Freeport, IL on July 21, 2011 to Amanda Kriebs and Don Henderson. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton.

Eli was a 6 ^th grader at Stockton Middle School. He was outgoing, quick witted, hardworking, and a comedian who loved to put a smile on everyone's face. Eli loved sports and was a proud member of the Stockton Renegades Wrestling Club. He was #55 for the Stockton 39ers where he played center and defensive tackle. He also played catcher for the Stockton baseball team. Eli loved fishing, bowling, grilling out, and welding with his dad.

He will be deeply missed by his parents, Amanda Kriebs and Don (Lauribeth) Henderson; his brothers, Mason Henderson and Jaylen Kriebs; his grandparents, Michael (Sue) Kriebs and Gary (Vicki) Henderson; his great grandmothers, Peggy Magee and Diane Reding; his aunts, Abigail Kriebs and Ashli (John) Span; his uncles, Aaron Kriebs, Alex (Meghan) Kriebs, and Kevin Henderson; his cousins, Mikaila, Gannon, Taylynn, Knox, Kye and Lennon; as well as an abundance of other cousins, friends, and family members. He was preceded in death by his great grandfathers, Don Reding, Larry Henderson, Richard Magee, and Arnold Kriebs; and his great grandmothers, Phyllis Reding, Joyce Henderson, and Eleanor Kriebs.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Stockton Middle School Gym at 10:30 a.m. with Father Michael Morrissey officiating. There will be a visitation on Friday, April 21, 2023 also at the Middle School Gym from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established.