Esther Hendrickson

Esther C. Hendrickson, 88, of Catlin, died at 12:30pm Monday July 11, 2011 at the Hawthorne Inn in Danville. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville. The Rev. Kent Tibben will officiate. Burial will follow in Lutheran Cemetery, Danville. Visitation will be from 4-8pm on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, located at 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville. Mrs. Hendrickson was born June 1, 1923, in Columbia, MO, the daughter of Rev. Albert C. and Mathilda Heinrichsmeyer Bernthal. She married Lowell Hendrickson on April 21, 1946 in Danville. He died March 22, 2000. Mrs. Hendrickson is survived by three sons, William (Jeanne) of Kalispell, MT, Thomas (Cyndy) of St. Joseph, and Martin (Donna) of Champaign. She is also survived by four grandsons, two granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers. Mrs. Hendrickson was baptized June 17, 1923, and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church on March 21, 1937. She was a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Grade School, and Danville High School. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 80 years, singing in the choir, as a member of the Eunice Society, and helping in the church office. Since the age of six she belonged to the Knot Hole Gang in St. Louis, MO. Mrs. Hendrickson has been a devoted Cardinals Baseball fan. She could recite players names and batting averages until her last days. She also loved to talk about Illini Basketball and watch their games with family. She leaves behind many friends who will miss her ready smile and laughter. Her church, her friends, and her family were her life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church and/or Provena Hospice. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com