Obituary: Hendrickson, Gordon
His exit was peaceful, just before midnight on April 1, 2015.
Family was bedside with him his final week, giving him messages of faith and love during his last, long nap.
In Frazee, MN he was the firstborn son of Edwin and Brynhild Hendrickson on August 12, 1925 flourishing on the family farm with the added siblings of two brothers and two sisters.
The gift of story-telling was part of the gene pool, though sometimes the details may vary with the “teller” of the story.
Affection, joy, and respect within this family are legendary.
Gordon married his sweetheart, Gladys Bartel, on May 12, 1944.
He served in the Coast Guard, proud of his country.
The East Coast military base was a far journey from the Minnesota farm country, but every challenge before them was met with the strength only the union of true soul mates could present.
After an honorable discharge from his service in the Coast Guard, Gordon’s ambition and courage directed him to venture westward with the new challenge of creating a business to support his family.
Soon a partnership was formed with Lowell Mickelson and Willard Beck to establish the long respected company, Modern Drywall.
These men were decent, honorable, hard-working, intelligent, and kind, creating a branch of the construction industry in Spokane, with their imprint on many substantial structures that remain a vital part of Spokane and surrounding areas of commerce.
Gladys preceded Gordon on their journey upward on November 29, 2011.
Their two children, with their families will continue to represent the legacy of Gordon and Gladys, humbled by the standards of excellence they established.
Daughter Judy (Ken Arledge) and son Dave (Sue), their grandchildren David (Carol), Aarron (Fran), Troy (Christy), Eric (Desiree), and Emily (Clint Hagen), will miss “Grandpa Gordy”, as will the great grandchildren: McKenna, Peyton, Jacob, Ellie, Ezekiel, Wyatt and Faith.
Great grandson Levi, now 3, was part of the sparkle in Gordon’s eyes, adding joy and energy to his visits at the Fairfield Care Center, the home away from home where Gordon received excellent care and authentic affection.
Gordon is survived by two brothers, Jerry (BJ), Bob (Bertie) and the many nieces and nephews of the Hendrickson family.
He is also survived by four sisters-in-law: Donna Walsh, Millie Johnson, Ethel Quade, Bev Bartel, and one brother-in-law, Lowell Bartel.
His sisters, Louise and Joycie, preceded his passing.
Gordon was a fine patriarch, generous always to family and friends, touching many with his example of faith, integrity, and hard work.
He was known to find the best piece of joy out of every day, inspiring a spirit of gratitude in anyone blessed to be in his circle.
Gordon will be missed by many where stories are told and memories shared.
The walls of his beloved cabin in the woods of Montana will carry the echoes of laughter and the sounds of cards being shuffled for “one more hand”.
His legacy includes Spiritual leadership for his family.
Gordon and Gladys were charter members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church.
Services for Gordon will be at 11:00AM on April 14, 2015 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church at 11315 East Broadway, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.
Your gift in memory of Gordon may be sent to Gethsemane Lutheran Church.