Dennis Martin Hendricks

Dennis Martin Hendricks, 67, passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2015.  He was born June 28, 1947 in Kaukauna, WI, son of the late Leo and Mary Jane (Klister) Hendricks.  He was married on June 28, 1969 to Jo Ann (Hauser) Hendricks and they had two sons together.

Dennis graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1965.  After proudly serving his country in the Army during the Vietnam War, he attended Fox Valley Technical College in the Tool & Die Machinist Apprenticeship program.  In 1970, he began working at Fox Valley Tool & Die in Kaukauna, WI, where he was still employed.  Dennis truly loved his job and enjoyed going to work every day, dedicated, passionate and rarely missing a day.  He cherished the friendships that he made during his 44-year tenure - they were his second family.

Dennis was a dedicated and loving husband and father.  He had a big heart with room for many friends.  He gave everyone a chance, regardless of whom you were and always gave the benefit of the doubt.  He was very patient, honest, kind and gracious.  He never complained, and his unique sense of humor always brought a smile to the faces of those that he touched.  He loved helping people and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.  He instilled many positive values and life skills that they will take with them in his untimely absence.  Truly selfless to the end, he opted to donate his organs so that others may have a chance at life. 

A farmer at heart, Dennis loved working in the yard and especially his garden every year.  He took special pride in his prized tomato plants, always looking for ways to make them bigger and better and planting different varieties so that he may enjoy them throughout the season.  He enjoyed collecting and restoring garden tractors and going to annual garden shows with his friend, Francis Sturm.  He was an avid sports fan, never missing a Green Bay Packers or Wisconsin Badgers game, as well as every NASCAR race. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Jo Ann of 45 years and their two sons, Tony and Daniel Hendricks, who mourn the loss of a great man who was always there when they needed him, willing to do anything.  He truly cherished his family, who, regretfully, did not have the chance to properly say goodbye.  He is further survived by his siblings Joan Hauser, Robert (Sandy) Hendricks, Diane (Mark) Wallace, Nancy (Michael) Pingel, Cynthia (Bryan) Bolwerk, Paul (Kimberly) Hendricks, Barbara (David) Van De Hey, and Janice (Rich) Garrow, as well as many nieces, nephews and God children.  He was preceded in death by his siblings, Sherilyn, Donald, Sandra, Darlene (Hendricks) Labs and Joseph. 

Funeral services will be at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine St., Little Chute. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

He will be in our hearts forever and represents a compelling role model that we strive to emulate-but can truly never duplicate-in our daily lives.  He is gone, but shall not be forgotten.  

 Service Information