Russell M. Hendrickson

Russell M. Hendrickson, 85, of Danville, went to be with his Lord at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Carle Hospital in Urbana. Russell was born Oct. 22, 1918 in Blount Township, the son of Frank and Mabel McBroom Hendrickson. He worked in the CCC, then served in the US Army from 1944-45. He was retired from General Motors Central Foundry after 31 years of service. He was also a member of the UAW Local 579. He married Betty Elliott on June 26, 1940 in Vermilion County. Surviving are his wife; five children, Margaret (Allan) Tellier of Clearwater, FL, Robert (Niecy) Hendrickson of Veedersburg, IN, Russell (Vicki) Hendrickson of Covington, IN, John (Carolyn) Hendrickson of Danville, and Nellie (Paul) Jeske of Danville; 13 grandchildren, Sue, Sandy, Jill, Lynn, Molly, Jami, Nicki, Mary Beth, Andy, Brad, Lisa, Bob, and Billy. Also surviving are 23 great-grandchildren, Guy, Amy, A.J., Tony, Emily, Wyatt, Jesse, Anna, Avery, Alexa, Aiden, Jace, Adisyn, Tanner, Tyler, Lexi, Ethan, Logan, Jackson, Grace, Haley, Alissa, and Breanna; and a great-great-grandson, Trevor. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Michael, and a much loved brother, Albert Mitchell. During our father's illness with congestive hear failure he made many friends at the Carle Heart Center. Dr. Kotcherill and Dr. Marilyn Prasun and the nurses on the 8th floor ICU touched all of our hearts and made dad's passing much easier for him and the family to bear. Thank you so very much. Among Russell's many talents he had perfected the art of letter writing. To get a letter from Russ was "special". He was an avid photographer, always ready for a "Kodak moment". He loved to read and work in his garden, especially his grape arbor. He was especially devoted to his wife, Betty. Russ will be remembered by his children and their families by always being ready to "spin the story" using his and the families' real life experiences twisting it with wit an humor to ell a story that was unforgettable even at the expense of himself. Many of his friends and family found Russ to be very generous when in need. Vaya con dios our friend, my husband, our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We will love you and miss you always. You will live forever in our hearts.