Roger Allen Hendrickson

Roger Allen Hendrickson was born on December 12, 1936, in Madison, Minnesota, to Samuel and Sarah (Johnson) Hendrickson. As the youngest of eight children, Roger grew up on the family farm in rural Montevideo, Minnesota, where the rhythms of agricultural life shaped his early years. His siblings included brothers James, Sheldon, Lloyd, and Alton, and sisters Helen Johnson and Deloris Roggatz, who would remain important figures throughout his life.

Roger's education began in a one-room rural schoolhouse, where he excelled academically despite the modest setting, earning distinction as Salutatorian in a class of two students. He later attended Montevideo High School, where records show his enrollment in 1953. Following his graduation, Roger answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he was primarily stationed in Germany during the post-war occupation period.

After his honorable discharge from military service, Roger ventured to Minneapolis, where destiny awaited him at a local dance. It was there he met Mary Ann Kodesh, the woman who would become the love of his life and his companion for more than six decades. Their courtship blossomed into a beautiful union when they were married on September 9, 1961, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

Roger built his career in the construction industry, working as a laborer with Labor Union #563 in commercial building construction. His skilled hands and dedication contributed to significant projects that helped shape Minnesota's landscape, including the Litchfield Courthouse and the iconic Mall of America. These projects represented not just employment for Roger, but a chance to leave a lasting mark on his community and state. After retiring from construction, he found fulfillment in part-time work as a custodian at Annandale Middle School, where his warm personality endeared him to both staff and students.

Throughout his life, Roger remained deeply connected to his community and faith. He was a proud member of the Kingston American Legion, honoring his military service alongside fellow veterans. His spiritual life was anchored at Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud, where he found fellowship and purpose in the Catholic community.

Roger and Mary Ann built their family together, raising three children: Steve, who married Cindy and settled in Watkins; Kenny, who made his home in Waite Park; and Karen, who married Greg Smith and lived in Ramsey. The family faced sorrow with the loss of daughter-in-law Janet Hendrickson, but found joy in the arrival of five grandchildren: Mellissa, who married Nate Miller; Danielle, who married Max Johnson; Steven, who married Erin; Sarah Smith, who married Zack Hajjali; and Emily Smith, who was engaged to Jacob Cooper.

As his family grew, Roger delighted in his role as grandfather and great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren: Ryder, Piper, Jack, Axel, Beau, Cameron, Kaia, Nora, and Calvin. The family mourned the loss of great-granddaughter Eleanor Hendrickson, but Roger's presence remained a source of strength and joy for the growing clan.

Beyond his work and family commitments, Roger found deep satisfaction in hobby farming, particularly in cutting hay and spending time on his tractor. The Minnesota outdoors called to him through ice fishing and hunting, pursuits that connected him to the natural world he had known since childhood. His creative side emerged through scroll saw work and woodworking, crafting pieces that reflected his attention to detail and artistic sensibility.

Roger was known throughout his community for his infectious laughter and his gift for storytelling. Whether playing cards with family and friends or sharing a joke, he brought lightness and joy to those around him. His love of polka music added another dimension to his appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Friends and family knew him by various affectionate nicknames—Slick, Snuffy, Al, Swede, Ol' Dead Eye, Gramps, and PaPa Rog—each reflecting different facets of his personality and the warmth he inspired in others.

In his later years, Roger and Mary Ann settled in South Haven, Minnesota, where they enjoyed the quiet rhythms of small-town life. Roger's greatest joy remained his family, especially the time spent with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing stories, wisdom, and creating memories that would last long after he was gone.

Roger Allen Hendrickson passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, at his home in South Haven, surrounded by the love and care of his family. At age 89, he had lived a full life marked by service, dedication, love, and laughter. His funeral Mass was celebrated on April 14, 2026, at St. Philip Catholic Church in Litchfield, with burial following at St. Gertrude Catholic Cemetery. Roger's legacy lives on in the projects he helped build, the students he served, the family he cherished, and the countless lives he touched with his generous spirit and infectious joy.