Gordon Olaf Hendrickson
Gordon Olaf Hendrickson
Obituary
Guest Book
Gordon Hendrickson Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Gordon was born December 27, 1946, in Spring Lake Township, Wisconsin, to Olaf and Margaret (Oare) Hendrickson. He was a proud graduate of Spring Valley Schools, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and Colorado State University. He served with the US Army from 1969 - 1971, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Commendation Medal. Following his service, while earning his Ph.D. in History at the University of Wyoming, he met Barbara Louise Flasch, and they married on June 8, 1974, in the Bronx, New York.
Gordon worked his entire professional career as an archivist, beginning in Wyoming, Minnesota, and Missouri. He retired in 2008 after 21 years as the State Archivist of Iowa. In his retirement, Gordon enjoyed woodworking, Norwegian baking, traveling with his wife, and volunteering both with Habitat for Humanity and with the ORFs at Camp Mitigwa. He was a member of American Legion Post #663, the St. Pius X Holy Name Society, the Mid-Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and numerous professional historical organizations.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Barbara Flasch Hendrickson; his children, Anders O.F. (Marie) Hendrickson of Waukesha, WI, Rosina B.F. Hendrickson of Chicago, IL, and Karl F.F. (Renee) Hendrickson of South Saint Paul, MN; six grandchildren, Maria, Thomas, Gianna, Andre, Stella, and Cora Marie; six siblings, Wayne (Ann) Hendrickson of New York City, NY, Janet Lomoljo of Reno, NV, Mary Thompson of River Falls, WI, Jerry (Bonnie) Hendrickson of Crivitz, WI, Thomas (Janet) Hendrickson of Hager City, WI, and Karen (Leroy) Esanbock of Baldwin, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2023 at Iles Westover Chapel, where a Vigil Service will be held at 7 p.m. Contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #663, Mid-Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America, or St. Pius X Foundation.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Gordon Hendrickson, please visit our Tribute Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tony Adams
January 6, 2023
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Gordon at the Wyoming State Archives. We kept in touch and saw each other at various conferences before I retired as director/State Archivist. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a great friend and mentor.
Tony Adams
Ed Bridges
January 3, 2023
Barbara and Family,
I am an old archives friend of Gordon's. I was director of the Alabama archives while he served in Iowa. My sincere condolences on his death. Gordon was an excellent friend and colleague. I regret that we had lost touch over the years since we both retired, but I remember his with warmth for his friendship and respect for his leadership and good judgement. He made us all better.
Ed Bridges
Barbara Mitchell Howard
January 2, 2023
Barbara and family - I am so sad to hear about Gordon´s passing. Kind and witty, he was also a wonderful mentor and colleague. His legacy will live on throughout Iowa´s history community and all who had the pleasure to know him. Sending you my deepest sympathies.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
John Dickerson
January 2, 2023
Barbara, We were sad to hear of Gordon's passing. It was just a week or so ago that we shared conversation at ORF day at Camp Mitigwa. Gordon was a great guy, and a super scouter. Our world is richer because of Gordon. We will miss his smile and quick wit.
John & Kandra Dickerson
Lois Roszak
January 1, 2023
My husband, Tom, and I have very fond memories of the Hendricksons´ great Christmas parties and the delicious cookies Gordon made. He was a brilliant, kind man, and it was an honor to have known him.
Todd Jacobus
December 31, 2022
Condolences to the family of Gordon Hendrickson on his passing. I am proud to have served with Gordon with the Mid-Iowa Council Boy Scouts of America. Gordon quite obviously gave back to his Nation, State & Community much more than he took. What a great example. Salute!
Arleene Wajda
December 30, 2022
Barbara and Family - I only met Gordon a few times but he seemed like such a good, caring person. I remember him proudly showing me his wood working shop in your new home. I was also impressed by his volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America. He will be missed. My prayers and sympathy go out to Barbara and family
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50322
Make a Donation
in Gordon Hendrickson's name
People and places connected with Gordon
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gordon's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gordon Hendrickson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
