Kenneth Albert Hendricks

Hendricks, Kenneth Albert Of Beloit/Janesville, age 66, died unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, at Rockford Memorial Hospital following injuries sustained in a fall. He was born in Janesville on Sept. 8, 1941, the son of Joseph and Ann Hendricks. He attended Janesville High School and then went to work with his father and shortly there after started his own roofing business. He married Diane M. Fox on May 3, 1975, in Janesville. Together they established the following businesses: American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc; AmCraft Building Products Co.,Inc.; Mule-Hide Products Co., Inc.; Vande Hey Raleigh Roof Tile Manufacturing Inc.; Mule-Hide Manufacturing Co., Inc.; Seven KH Aviation, LLC; Vande Hey Roof Tile Installation Inc.; American Patriot Insurance Agency, Inc.; Patriot Insurance Company LTD; Insential, Inc.; Amfinity Capital, LLC; Pharma Investments, LLC; Gem Pharmaceuticals, LLC; Kingnut International LLC; JAMKAAD Holding Company, Inc; American Aluminum Extrusions, LLC; American Aluminum Extrusions of Ohio, LLC; Federal Heath Sign Company, LLC; Hendricks Holding Company, Inc.;Blackhawk Transport, Inc.; Corporate Contractors, Inc.; American Industrial Art, LLC; Gateway Insurance Company, Inc.; American Slate Company; American Industrial Steel & Supply, LLC; Stainless Tank and Equipment Co., LLC; Southeastern Iowa Port Terminal, LLC; Hendricks River Logistics, LLC; Garick Corporation; CRT Processing, LLC; Henry Technologies, Inc.; Henry Technologies Gmbh; Hendricks Industries ApS; America's Best Chance, LLC; Amfinity Finance, LLC; Humane Manufacturing Company, LLC; Granite Wireless, Inc.; Hendricks Commercial Properties, LLC; Riverbend Development, LLC; Texas Heath Properties, L.P.; Texas Heath Property Corp. They also contributed to the following civic and philanthropic efforts: Director of Hendricks Foundation (2005 to present); Director of Beloit 2020(1988 to present); Director of Forward Janesville (2003 to present); Director of Rock Valley Community Programs (1996 to present); Honorary Chairman of NRDC (National Roofers & Distributors Council) (1991 to present); Director of Independent Disability Services (2000 to present); Director of Sinnissippi Council of Boy Scouts of America (2000 to present); Member of Board of Trustees for Beloit College (1996 to present); Member, Board of Directors for Blackhawk State Bank (1996 to present); Director Stateline Council 100(2003 to present); President Beloit Inn Owners Assoc.(2001 to 2004); Active participant with United Way; Former President of Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce(1990) Ken also received the following acknowledgements: INC Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year 2006; Gallup Great Workplace Award 2006; State of Wisconsin Governor's Award in Support of the Arts 2006; Ranked 91st of FORBES 400 Richest Americans 2006; Honorary Doctorate Degree from Beloit College 2006; INC 500 magazine "Fastest Growing Company" for years 1984-1985-1986-1987; Arthur Young/VENTURE Magazine - 1987 Entrepreneur of the Year; International Economic Development Council - 2005 Citizen Leadership Award; 2007 Associated Builders and Contractors Best Residential Renovation Award, National Aware of Merit for "Forged on the Rock"; Deloitte & Touché 2005 Customer Centric Growth Award; State of Wisconsin-2006 Family Business of the Year Award; Beloit Daily News "Headliner Award"; Deloitte & Touché USA 2007 Pathfinder Award; American Advertising "Judges Choice Award" 2004. Ken was visionary, entrepreneurial, enterprising, transforming, building, competitive, straight forward, motivating, persuasive, persistent, patriotic, loyal, forgiving, hard working, emotional, affectionate and always seeking excellence. He had a sharp eye, good taste, strong family values. Ken enjoyed his home and property lovingly called the "Pits", his Harleys, his dogs-Geronimo and Cochise, Native American Culture, his Jeep Cherokee, karaoke, country music, fish fries at Skips Friendly Village, dancing, nature, wildlife, the four seasons, boats, planes, the Saints football team, tuxedos, architecture, business, real estate, restoration, game of monopoly, and people. But most of all, he loved life deeply and appreciated every day. He valued his time and did not waste it. He got up everyday with the intention to make the most of it and was not satisfied with "good enough". He built extraordinary businesses and had an extraordinary family. He had big plans for his future. He had accumulated a lot of wisdom, experience, credibility and resources. His intention was to use them to better his community and country. He had become significantly involved in creating options for utilization of waste and energy alternatives. He saw value in people and things in a different way then most. He built companies to create opportunities for people and provide products and resources of value. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, friends, community and country. He was deeply loved and cherished by his family and friends, and he will forever and always be in our hearts and a part of our dreams. Above and beyond everything else remains the incredible love and passion that he shared with his wife Diane. He is survived by his wife, Diane; 7 children, Kendra (Mike) Story, Kim Hendricks, Kathy (Scott) Murray, Kevin Hendricks, Brent (Celease) Fox, Kara (Aaron) Stecker, and Konya (Matt) Schuh; 15 grandchildren: Adam, Andrew, and Alex Story, Kassandra Hendricks, Alexis Murray, Connor Fox, Katelynn Hendricks, Marina Murray, Kyslee Greve, Kenneth Hendricks, Addison Schuh, Olivia Greve, Skylar Stecker, Aidan Schuh, and Dorsett Stecker; a brother, Marvin (June) Duss, sister, Delores (Dale) Fredrickson; nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Laurene Reible; and a brother, Melvin Duss. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 3:00 PM until the time of a memorial service at 7:00 PM at the ECLIPSE CENTER (Previously Beloit Mall at 100 Eclipse Center, Beloit 53511 on MapQuest) and viewing on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of funeral services at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, Janesville, with Rev. James Melvin officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Beloit Regional Hospice. SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family. For on-line obituary and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com