Gerald Norman Hendrickson

Gerald Norman Hendrickson (best known as “Jerry”) was born to Nelius Bjorn Hendrickson and Grace Evelyn (Churchill) Hendrickson on December 25, 1933, in Akley, Minnesota. He was the third of five children: Marcella, Theodore “Ted”, Jerry, Erland and Anita. Jerry’s earliest years were spent in Minnesota, until at age 8 he and his family moved to the Northwest. The family first settled in the Mabton / Sunnyside area in Washington state, and later moved to Pendleton, Oregon. Jerry completed his high school education and graduated from Upper Columbia Academy in Spangle, WA. Together with their father, Jerry and Erl spent a couple of years logging near Rogue River, OR. In 1953, given a choice between being drafted into a branch of the military or enlist where he wished, Jerry joined the Air Force and became an aircraft engine specialist and crew chief. He spent 8 years in the Air Force, including 13 months in Saudi Arabia. Jerry was encouraged to re-enlist and train for jet engines, but declined and left the Air Force, returning to the Northwest. Always known as a hard worker, Jerry spent time in a variety of professions, including a few years as a city police officer in Pendleton and Ontario, Oregon, a stint with the Oregon State Patrol, and as owner- operator of two bicycle shops in Washington during the early 1970’s. He could repair about anything, but especially loved the outdoors and farming. Very much a General Motors man, usually preferring Chevrolets. He was such a Chevy guy, that he’d often humorously call his second son “Cliff-CHEV” instead of “Clif-FORD.” For many years, the family raised alfalfa near Jamieson, Oregon. Besides having customers in Malheur County and the Treasure Valley, they trucked most of their hay to dairies on the Oregon coast. After “retirement” from farming, Jerry returned to mechanic work and ran delivery routes. He also sold real estate, first with Century 21, later with Chet Matier in New Plymouth, ID. Jerry was a faithful Seventh-day Adventist Christian, a church Elder, and Sabbath School teacher. He loved music, often singing special numbers at church, and had a heart for helping others. Due to health issues, Jerry moved in 2016 to the Idaho State Veterans’ Home in Boise, where he was loved and well cared for until his passing peacefully on November 16, 2020. He would have been 87 on Christmas Day. During his final months, Jerry’s spirits were good, but he sensed his time was drawing to a close. He was not anxious, but frequently encouraged others to be ready to meet the Lord. Jerry is survived by his wife, Violet (Rayburn, Melton) Hendrickson of Fruitland, ID; his brother Erl, of Vancouver, WA; and three sons: Stan and Jan (Olson) Hendrickson, missionaries in Albania; Cliff and Lora (Griffith) Hendrickson of Pendleon, OR; Alan and Irene (Capellan) Hendrickson of Beaverton, OR. At the time of his passing, Jerry had 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.