Paul G. Hendrickson

Paul Hendrickson, age 94 beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend realized the promise of eternal life in Christ on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Paul was born to Marinus “Jack” and Wilhelmina “Minnie” Hendrickson and was raised on the northeast side of Grand Rapids.  He graduated from Central High School and continued his education at Hope College in Holland, MI. While at Hope he attended classes with Dorothy Contant. During class he would pass pink peppermints to her, which sparked a 68-year marriage.

Paul joined the Army through the draft in 1950, but a sympathetic superior officer delayed his deployment until after the birth of their oldest daughter, Leslie Jill.  He remained grateful for this officer his entire life.  Paul was deployed to Austria in 1951.  During deployment he was permitted to travel extensively, he enjoyed seeing a new part of the world, and he purchased a Volkswagen Bug which he brought back to the US and drove for many years. In 1953 their young family settled in Grand Rapids with Paul working for American Seating.  Their family expanded to include Kristin and David.  Paul worked for 27 years at American Seating before retiring in 1978. 

Paul’s faith in Christ guided his actions.  He exhibited humility, gratitude, and concern for others.  He had a knack of making you feel like the most important person in the room.  He cherished his time with family and would be a vocal presence at any of the grandchildren’s sporting events.  He was an avid golfer, hitting his last ball at age 93 with a birdie on his final hole.  He appreciated monitoring stock trends, watching collegiate and professional sports on TV, and attending his cherished church-Keystone Community.  At Keystone his Replay Group brought joy and conversation into his life and the friendships established there were important to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, daughter Jill Applegate, son-in-law Douglas Applegate, and grandson Jared Applegate. 

He is survived by his daughter Kris Gallagher (Dan) and their family: Chad and Ali, Jordan and Molly, Christopher and Stephanie, David and Shannon.   Son, David Hendrickson (Paige) and their family: Derek and Elizabeth, Cory and Sarah, Jill, and Shawn and Kristie Applegate. 

Paul was proud to say that the next generation also includes 16 great-grandchildren: Parker, Presley, Peyton, Aubrey, Kenzie, Grace, Eli, Silas, Harper, Joelle, Marley, Dawson, Beckham, Kharis, Carter and Kinley.

As family, we praise God for Dad’s life and appreciate the legacy of faith he leaves us.  To God be the Glory!

There will be a Celebration of Life Service on December 29, 2021, 4:00 pm at Keystone Community Church.  Visitation with family will begin at 3:00 pm. Rev. Randy Wassink officiating. Memorial gifts may be sent to Keystone Church. 

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