Robert Hendrickson ’55

Robert Wayne Hendrickson went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, after struggling with dementia for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, and his four sons; David and Andrea, Dan ’78 and Colleen, Mark and Julie, and John ’85 and Mary. He has many grandchildren and great grandchildren who were the joy of his life. Bob is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Hendrickson ’60 and Ed Biro, as well as sisters-in-law, Wanda Hendrickson and Florence Bouwman, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was an active member of Garfield Park Reformed Church, Fifth Reformed Church and Woodland Drive-In Church. After graduating from Ottawa Hills High School, he attended Hope College, then returned to Ottawa Hills for the remainder of his 40-year career. He served as teacher, counselor and administrator, and coached basketball for 20 years before becoming athletic director. Bob will be remembered for coaching two state championship teams in 1968 and 1969, as well as multiple conference champion teams.

Because of COVID, the family will not have a funeral service at this time, but is planning a memorial service this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the refugee fund at Fifth Reformed Church (2021 Griggs SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506) or the scholarship fund at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (for Ottawa Hills High School, 185 Oakes SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503).