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| Thomas Hendrickson, 73 |
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| Written by TRF Times |
 Leonard - Thomas Edward Hendrickson passed away on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at his home in Leonard. Thomas’ memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 1 at Elim Lutheran Brethren Church in Clearbrook at 11 a.m. His wish is for his body to be donated to the University of Minnesota Medical School.Tom was born June 14, 1938 in Wheatfield, Ind., to parents Charles and Iola (Smothers) Hendrickson. He attended elementary school in North Judson, Indiana and graduated from LaPorte High School in LaPorte, Ind. After high school, Tom served two years in the U.S. Army stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, and also serving in the Army Reserve. Tom married Louan Mitchell on Nov. 7, 1959, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in LaPorte. They made their home in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, where Tom was employed at the Niki Missile Site. Tom also worked at Inland Steel before attending the Illinois Optical School. Tom spent 26 years working in the optical field. Tom spent many hours fishing and hunting with family and friends. It was his great love for the outdoors that made him pursue his education at North Dakota State University-Bottineau Branch to graduate with an Associates degree in Wildlife and Forestry. Before fully retiring, he spent many years doing remodeling and maintenance in our local communities. Tom also enjoyed wood carving as a hobby. He made a variety of wood carvings that he gave to family and friends. He volunteered his time when he could. He spent time at the Good Samaritan Home in Clearbrook adjusting and fixing eyeglasses for the residents. Tom and Louan enjoyed many mission trips to Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico and shared a love for the people and country. The last couple of years Tom has spent time working with the residents of the Mustard Seed program at the Clearwaters Life Center. He enjoyed getting to know and working with them in the woodworking area. Tom was a member of the Elim Lutheran Church in Clearbrook. Over the years, he served as usher, trustee, call committee member and other activities in the church. He is survived by his wife, Louan (Mitchell) Hendrickson; daughter, Christine (Dennis) Hendrickson-Grugal, Roseau; and son, Marc (Gail) Hendrickson, Duluth; nine grandchildren, Jared (Cady) Sunsdahl, Wahiaha, Hawaii; Heather (fiancé Shane Peterson) Sunsdahl, Thief River Falls, and Chance Hendrickson; Winger; Gene (Andrea) Grugal, Prior Lake; Devon Pickar, Warroad; Brandon Grugal, Fargo, N.D.; Josh (Angela) Grugal Lakeville; Alex and Adam Smith, Duluth; 12 great-grandchildren, Madison, Maegan and Rebekah Sunsdahl; Blayke Sunsdahl and Rylee Manning; Jewel Hendrickson; Tyson and Jocyln Grugal; Roman and Lincoln Grugal; Madison and Paige Pickar; one brother, James Hendrickson, Arizona and two sisters, Lauretta Somerville, Logansport, Indiana and Linda Goldschmeding, Panama. Tom is also survived by five nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. A00003B2011SP28  |
