Dean Hendricks, 76
Dean Rex Hendricks, 76, of Valley Springs, died on Thursday, No. 30, 2023 at Ava’s House by Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, S.D. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at George Boom Funeral Home, Brandon Valley Chapel, from 5 to 7 p.m. His memorial service will be on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, also at the funeral home in Brandon at 2 p.m.
Dean was born on Nov. 25, 1947 in Arnold, Neb., to Robert N. and Delores (Gunther) Hendricks. He attended Red Fern Table Grade School and graduated from Oconto High School in 1961. Dean continued his education at Denver Automotive in Denver, Colo., where he received his mechanic and diesel mechanic certification in 1968. Following his education, Dean made his home in Lexington, Neb., where he began working as a diesel mechanic for J.H.C and then Cornland Dressed Beef.
Dean was united in marriage with Janice A. Crawford on Oct. 14, 1970 in Lexington, Neb. The couple made their home in Lexington and were blessed with two daughters, Sherri and Cindy, and one son, Kevin. The family moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1976 and then made their home in Valley Springs, S.D. in 1977. Dean continued working as a diesel mechanic for Ruan Transportation, wrenching for over 30-plus years until his retirement. In his retirement, Dean began driving trucks for over 10 years for Variety Foods. While working in Sioux Falls, Dean was fortunate to work for three great bosses, Steve, Hank and Mike, for which Dean extends a special thank you.
Dean had a passion for racing; especially on dirt tracks. He attended the Grand Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa for many years but really enjoyed all of the local racing in the area. Dean also spent many years attending the Pioneer Power Show in Menno, S.D. and the Granite Threshing Bee in Iowa. He also enjoyed collecting Lesney Die Cast Cars and attending toy shows and antique shopping. Above all, Dean loved his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Janice Hendricks, Valley Springs; two daughters, Sherri (Jeff) Javers and Cindy (Tommy Kopp) Heesch, all of Sioux Falls; daughter-in-law, Melissa Hendricks, Valley Springs; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Javers, Jon Javers, Joseph (Haley Ruml) Javers, Steven (Brittany Moore) Heesch, Zach (Brittney Whaley) Heesch, Lilly Queen and Zachary Hendricks; great-grandchildren, Jamie, Rain, Maylynn, June, Miles, and Emmett; two brothers, Neil (Vicky) Hendricks, Oconto, Neb., and Gene (Laura) Hendricks, Broken Bow, Neb.; one sister, Sherilyn Hendricks, Kearney, Neb.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Dean Hendricks; his parents, Robert and Delores Hendricks; his sister, Janet Hendricks; and his grandparents.
For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.
