Leonard W. Hendrickson

Leonard W. Hendrickson, 91, of Grinnell, died Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

A graveside service with military honors will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 15 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with Pastor John Epperson officiating. Pallbearers are Mike Kriegel, Ross McDonough, Jeff Hendrickson, Tony Arrowood, Bill Mason and Ben Louden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Newburg American Legion and Grinnell Regional Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Condolences may be shared with his family online at www.smithfh.com.

Leonard Warren Hendrickson was born the son of Jonas and Rozelia Marie (Adams) Hendrickson Oct. 5, 1925, in Grinnell. He was raised and educated in Newburg.

Leonard was united in marriage to Ida M. Wilson Dec. 7, 1943, in Grinnell. A day later, Leonard began his service in the United State Navy as a Seaman First Class and served his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged Jan. 17, 1946. The couple lived and farmed in the Newburg area for many years. Leonard was a 70-year member of the Newburg American Legion, was a longtime member of the Newburg-Chester Congregational Church, was caretaker of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery for many years and served for 23 years as a reserve deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

Leonard’s family always came first in his life. He was a hard-worker who loved farming the land. His grandchildren recalled the times he taught them how to drive, going for rides with him in the combine and how he teased them and loved them unconditionally. Leonard’s enjoyments were going to dances with Ida, watching old western movies, reading Louis L’Amour books and playing cards.

Leonard is survived by his son, Ron (Lynda) Hendrickson of Grinnell; four grandchildren, Jeff Hendrickson and Jackie Kriegel, both of Grinnell, Amy McDonough of Boone and Sue Arrowood of Altoona; five great-grandchildren, Jaden McDonough, Katelyn Kriegel, Alex McDonough and Paige and Parker Arrowood; and a brother, Gordon Hendrickson of Colfax.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ida Hendrickson in 2009; and son, John Hendrickson in 2005.