David John Hendrickson

MARQUETTE, MI – David John Hendrickson, age 72, of Marquette, entered eternal life Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Trillium Hospice House in the loving, comforting care of his family.
David was born December 29, 1950, in Laurium, Michigan, the son of E. John and Delores (Proulx) Hendrickson. He was raised in Laurium and graduated from Calumet High School, Class of 1969. During his high school and college years, David worked at his father and uncle's store, Kilpela's Furniture and Appliance in Calumet. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communication, later receiving his Masters Degree in Public Administration. While at NMU, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. On August 30, 1975, David was united in marriage to Sandra Voelker and together the couple made their first home in Calumet where they started raising a family. In 1983, the family relocated to Marquette where David began a long career in banking as well as the early days of the cell phone industry, before retiring in 2012. David was very sociable and connected well with people, being very supportive in his interactions with others. He was very dependable, could always be counted on for a laugh, loved giving advice, and some folks looked upon him as the dad they never had. He had a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. David loved music, especially rock and roll. He had a great mind for trivia, remembering all sorts of details about movies and history. His other interests included a love of birds, especially bald eagles, and he recently enrolled in photography classes to enhance his love of the art. He loved watching football (especially the Green Bay Packers and U of M), playing pool, and taking saunas. Locally, David was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Michael Men's Club, served on the YMCA board, and was a Kiwanis member for over 30 years having also served as president. However, David's greatest fulfillment came from spending time with his family and especially the grandchildren whom he treasured. Hours spent at the camp on Little Traverse Bay on Lake Superior in the Keweenaw were especially fun, relaxing, and fulfilling. David was grateful to have spent several months each year in Florida escaping the snow. When traveling to Florida, he loved nothing more than to walk along the beach collecting seashells, snorkeling, and listening to music.
David is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra; his children, Carey Espinoza of Marquette, Stacy Hendrickson of Traverse City, and Ryan (Courtney) Hendrickson of Ann Arbor; his grandchildren Aria, Noelle, and Joseph Espinoza of Marquette, Rory and Oscar Hendrickson of Ann Arbor; a sister, Vicki (Jeff) Musselman of Ironwood; sister-in-law, Mary (Glen) Manninen of Chassell; brother-in-law, Ron (Cheryl) Voelker of Battle Creek; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Trillium House, UP Home Health and Hospice, and UP Health System for their compassionate and professional care, and for their many kindnesses to the family.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Friends may call at St. Michael Catholic Church on Monday, October 2, beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon with Rev. Greg Heikkala, pastor, as celebrant. A lunch reception will follow in the Parish Center.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com