Gustaf "Gus" Hendrickson

Gustaf "Gus" Hendrickson

1940-2024

Gustaf "Gus" Hendrickson, age 83, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024, at his home in Grand Rapids, MN.

Gus was born in Eveleth, MN in 1940 to Arthur and Elizabeth Hendrickson. He graduated from Eveleth High School in 1958 and attended Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and played hockey on a full scholarship. He also served in ROTC, and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as an officer. While in Germany, he served as a player/coach for the United States Army Hockey team. Gus married his high school sweetheart, Margaret "Peggy" Johnson, on September 2, 1961, in Eveleth, MN. After returning from Germany, he and Peggy made their home in Grand Rapids. From 1965-1975, he served in the Army National Guard while earning his master's degree in physical education from Bemidji State University. Gus taught elementary school and high school physical education in Grand Rapids and coached the varsity high school hockey team, leading them to a state championship in 1975. He then coached at University of Minnesota-Duluth from 1975 until 1982 before working at Lutheran Brotherhood from 1982 until 1997, where he retired as a general agent.

Gus was inducted into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Lions Club, American Legion Post 60, GRAHA, and Zion Lutheran Church. Gus enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, hockey, and spending time on Pokegama Lake with family and friends.

Gus is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dean (Viola) and David (Phyllis) Hendrickson; and two sisters, Teri (Jack) Matala, and Pat (Milo) Bergum.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy; children, Gus (Rita) Hendrickson of Saginaw, MI, Mary Beth (Brian) Mullenbach of Suwanee, GA, and Melissa (Jim) Wiaduck of Highland, MI; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024 beginning at 10:00 AM at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM at the church. Rev. Ben Buchanan will officiate. Full military honors will follow the memorial service at the Zion Lutheran Church Columbarium. A reception will be held at the Eagle's Club in Grand Rapids following the service. All are welcome to gather and celebrate Gus's life and share their stories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to GRAHA (Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association) or Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.