Percy D. Hendrickson, 85, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away peacefully at the Spring Valley Care Center on July 14, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.
Percy Dale Hendrickson was born September 24, 1937, in Wykoff, Minn., to Cardnal and Mildred (Berning) Hendrickson. He attended country schools in the Cherry Grove area, Wykoff High School until the 10th grade, and finished his last two years at the agriculture school in Waseca, where he played football and graduated in 1955. Following high school, Percy farmed with his dad and worked at Rath Packing Plant in Waterloo, Iowa. During that time, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Meyer, who he liked to pester while she was working at the Malt & Burger in Spring Valley, Minn. The two were united in marriage on February 14, 1959 at First English Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. For the first few years, they moved around the Spring Valley, Cherry Grove and Lanesboro areas, where Percy worked for area farmers and ran a can milk route. In 1967, they planted their roots south of Greenleafton, where they raised their five children and dairy farmed until retirement in 1997. Percy was not only a great dairy farmer and avid horseman, but was also a great steward of the land he loved so dear, growing corn, alfalfa, barley and oats over the years. In 2002, Percy and Phyllis moved to a small acreage near Lime Springs, Iowa, where Percy was able to have a few horses, a garden and mowed lawn instead of alfalfa.
Throughout his life, Percy was active in the church (Cherry Grove UMC and later Greenleafton Reformed), 4-H, church bowling league, local saddle clubs and also with the Pony Express for Camp Courage for 20 years.
In his free time, Percy enjoyed playing cards, polka dancing, riding horses, going for drives to see the countryside and visiting with family and friends.
He is survived by his spouse of 64 years, Phyllis Hendrickson; his five children: Kevin Hendrickson of Spring Valley, Minn., Christine Root (Randy Mohs) of Harmony, Minn., Todd (Sue) Hendrickson of Preston, Minn., Scott (Laurie) Hendrickson of Harmony, Minn., and Bridget (Tim) Jacobson of Roseville, Minn.; seven grandchildren: Michael (Emily) Root, Brittney (Taylor) Jarland, Amanda (Aaron) Gillespie, Cody Hendrickson, Megan (Tyler) Kappers, Ashley Jacobson and Abby Jacobson; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four sisters: Marcella (Roy) Tibbals, Ermilee (Joe) Ihns, Cheryl (Richard) Serfling and Lynette (Phil) Grabau; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, a son-in-law and two infant granddaughters.
A memorial service for Percy will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Greenleafton Reformed Church in Greenleafton, Minn., with Pastor Deanna Woodward officiating. Burial will take place at Cherry Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley, Minn., and will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday.
Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.
Gregory A Forbes says
I was saddened to learn of Percy’s passing. It had been sometime since I had seen Percy since he and Phillis had moved from the farm. I had great respect for his love of his family, the farm and his dairy.. Percy was a friend and customer and I valued his production agriculture skills.. I will always remember Percy and extend my condolences to his family.
Jane Snyder says
Deepest sympathy to you all.