Dean Rex Hendricks, 76, died Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at Ava’s House by Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, S..D.
Dean was born Nov. 25, 1947 in Arnold, Neb. to Robert and Delores (Gunther) Hendricks. Dean attended Redfern Table Grade School and graduated from Oconto High School in 1966.
Dean continued his education at Denver Automotive in Denver, Colo., where he received his mechanic and diesel mechanic certification in 1968. Following his education, Dean made his home in Lexington where he began working as a diesel mechanic for J.H.C and then Cornland Dressed Beef.
Dean was united in marriage with Janice A. Crawford on Oct. 14, 1970 in Lexington. The couple made their home in Lexington and were blessed with two daughters, Sherri and Cindy, and one son, Kevin.
The family moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1976 and then made their home in Valley Springs, S.D. in 1977. Dean continued working as a diesel mechanic for Ruan Transportation, wrenching for over 30-years until his retirement.
In retirement, Dean began driving trucks for over ten years for Variety Foods. While working in Sioux Falls, Dean was fortunate to work for three great bosses – Steve, Hank and Mike – for which Dean extends a special thank you.
Dean had a passion for racing, especially on dirt tracks. He attending the Grand Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa, for many years but really enjoyed all of the local racing in the area. Dean also spent many years attending the Pioneer Power Show in Menno, S.D., and the Granite Threshing Bee in Iowa. He also enjoyed collecting Lesney Die Cast Cars and attending toy shows and antique shopping.
Above all, Dean loved his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Janice Hendricks, Valley Springs, S.D.; two daughters Sherri (Jeff) Javers and Cindy (Tommy Kopp) Heesch, all of Sioux Falls, S.D.; daughter-in-law Melissa Hendricks, Valley Springs, S.D.; seven grandchildren Jennifer Javers, Jon Javers, Joseph (Haley Ruml) Javers, Steven (Brittany Moore) Heesch, Zach (Brittney Whaley) Heesch, Lilly Queen and Zachary Hendricks; great-grandchildren Jamie, Rain, Maylynn, June, Miles and Emmett; two brothers Neil (Vicky) Hendricks of Oconto and Gene (Laura) Hendricks of Broken Bow; one sister, Sherilyn Hendricks of Kearney; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son Kevin Dean Hendricks; parents Robert and Delores Hendricks; sister, Janet Hendricks; and grandparents.
Memorial visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at George Boom Funeral Home, Brandon Valley Chapel, from 5-7 p.m. Memorial service will be Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 at the funeral home in Brandon at 2 p.m.
