John E. Hendrickson
October 24, 1936 – July 22, 2024
John Everett Hendrickson found peace on July 22, 2024, at the age of 87. Loving husband of 64 years to Gale. Devoted father of Bob (Emily Smathers) Hendrickson, Jim (Rosemary) Hendrickson and Kathy (Rob) Sulver. Proud and amazing grandpa to six grandchildren – Melissa (Chris) Mason, Morgan Hendrickson, Hannah Sulver, Jorden Hendrickson, Dalton Sulver and Roman Hendrickson. Further survived by many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Bertha, sister Dottie and brother Bill.
He was born in Mishawaka, IN on October 24,1936 to Paul and Bertha Hendrickson. John’s family made several moves across the country following his dad’s career, including Milwaukee, WI, Boston, MA, and Mount Vernon, NY where he met the love of his life, Gale. He enlisted in the US Army and became part of the Army Security Agency serving in Korea for 13 months. He then returned to Mount Vernon to marry Gale on April 9, 1960. Following the wedding, they moved to Mineral Wells, TX until he was discharged in 1961. They then moved to Milwaukee, WI. John and Gale were blessed to welcome three children into the world.
John spent his career serving as a Radio Operator and then a State Trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol. He ended his path with the State serving as a Chemical Test Coordinator for the Patrol. Following “retirement” after a long career, he continued to work as a part-time contractor in the same role. He always enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping with family and friends at both Hunter and Patricia Lakes. He was an excellent cook and shared his talents to prepare meals for others including church dinners as well as the annual Venison Feed for decades. In addition to the Venison Feed, John and his buddy Dick were beekeepers for years and made delicious sausage, a hobby he continued. He enjoyed hunting as well as collecting long guns. He was a member of the Zor chapter of the Shrine in Madison, WI where he was actively involved with the Camel Patrol. He will always be remembered for his humor and social nature with everyone with whom he interacted. Most of all, John’s grandkids were the apple of his eye.
Visitation from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4:00 PM, on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. The service will be available via livestream and will be recorded for those unable to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to:
• Aurora Zilber Family Hospice, 1155 N Honey Creek Pkwy., Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (Phone: 414-615-5935)
• Shriners Children’s Hospital Chicago, 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707