Dean Hendrickson

Dean M. Hendrickson, age 77, passed away peacefully at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, with his beloved family by his side. Dean fought a courageous battle with cancer for over 5 years. Visitation and Celebration of Dean's life will be on Wednesday, March 15th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with Prayer Service at 7:00 PM all at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Survivors include his Jessie of 47 years, daughters Heather (Matt) Russell of Fort Dodge, Molly (Matt) Adams of Humboldt, grandsons Avery (Jericka) Hendrickson, Aidan Russell, Mason Russell, Evan Russell, and Colby Russell, granddaughters Sarah Adams and Paige Adams, sister Rita (Gil) Wenzel of Woodbury, MN, brothers Roger (Julie) Hendrickson of Fairmont, MN, Jim Chipman of Fairmont, MN, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Clarence E. Hendrickson, mother Iva Marcita (Donndelinger) Chipman, stepfather Richard Chipman, nephew Steve Hendrickson, and sister-in-law Lynnette Chipman. Dean Mathew Hendrickson was born on February 13, 1946, to Clarence E. Hendrickson and Iva Marcita (Donndelinger) Hendrickson. He was raised and educated in Bancroft, IA. Dean graduated f...[more]

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Saint John Catholic High School in 1964. He continued his education at Mankato State College, graduating in 1968, with a BA Degree, majoring in Geography/Sociology. In 1969, Dean enlisted into the U.S. Army, taking basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Dean served his tour of duty in Vietnam from July of 1969 to July of 1970. After returning stateside, he was assigned to the 890th Military Police at Ft. Riley, KS, until his honorable discharge in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1987 to 1990, where he achieved the rank of SGT (E5). Dean met Jessie Utley on April 7, 1973. They married on July 3, 1975, at Grace Lutheran Chapel in Fairmont, MN. Love that would last a lifetime and beyond. Fort Dodge was home for them, and they raised their 2 daughters Heather and Molly. He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend. Dean was employed with Job Service of Iowa for 30 years. Starting from 1971, till his retirement in 2001. Prior to his retirement Dean was assigned as the Employment Counselor for Military Veterans, a position his dear friend Ray Ault had previously held, and recommended Dean for the position as Ray was retiring. Dean was so grateful to have been chosen for this position, and the opportunity to help fellow veterans. Dean loved the simple pleasures in life, the beauty, and wonder of nature, loving to spend time exploring it, whether it be taking a walk, going down to the river in his canoe, fishing, or a trip on his motorcycle. He enjoyed pending time with his family and friends (which were many). Dean always had a crossword puzzle in hand, or working on a picture puzzle, tinkering with his BMW motorcycles, or the "29" Rat Rod, and the rare "39" Chevy Flat Back. Dean had over 50 years of league bowling in Fort Dodge, bowling for several years in the Classic League. He received several awards, most recent the LIFETIME AWARD presented to him by the Fort Dodge Area USBC Bowling Association on October 29, 2022. Dean stated "the ceremony when being presented with the Quilt of Valor, and the LIFETIME AWARD were the 2 best days in my life". If Dean could speak to us now, I believe he'd want us to Take care of your loved ones. Enjoy the simple things in life. Be good to your fellow man. Shake the hand of a Veteran, thank them for their service. Never be afraid to try something new, give it your all. Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the beauty of this earth, that God has given us. Work hard, but take time to have fun, laugh often. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home. Donate | UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge