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   Donald (Swede) Edmund Hendrickson was born on August 8, 1930, to Edmund and Marion (Lind) Henrikson in Remer, MN. He peacefully passed away surrounded by family at his daughter, Linda and Gary’s home in Nevis on April 21, 2023.

   Don was born and raised in Remer, MN, and attended Remer Elementary and High School. At age 17, he joined the US Army for 6 years where he learned to weld, which became his lifelong career. He was stationed at Ft. Eustis, VA, Ft. Knox, KY, and Okinawa, Japan for two of those enlisted years. Once he was out of the Army and back in Remer, he met his lifelong wife and partner, Ferne (Jones) Hendrickson and they were married August 29, 1953. Early in their marriage they lived in Minneapolis, MN, Pierre SD, Tucson, AZ, and soon settled in Remer at Don’s grandparent’s hobby farm to raise their three children. 

   Don spent his working years as a pipefitter, pipeline welder, and Assistant Business Agent for his local pipefitter’s union, recruiting and inspiring many young people to join the trade. He was instrumental in setting up the UA pension fund for the local.  His work took him to several states laying miles of pipeline and building many missile silos in ND, and several gas plants and pumping stations. He was honored for his role in the building of the Oahe Dam in SD. He and Ferne also owned and operated the Remer Motel for 7 years in the 1980’s. 

   Don was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church and helped with the construction of the new facility. He was very proud of his membership in the American Legion and color guard and took part in many parades and honor guard ceremonies. He was also a great supporter of the NRA.

   Don had a fondness for horses which he passed on to his three children and shared that love with many friends and relatives. He, Ferne, and kids raised many horses, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits on their hobby farm. Don’s passion/obsession for hunting was also passed onto his kids, grandkids, and great grands. In his later years he loved nothing more than a night out with the kids and grandkids singing karaoke together.

   He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Ferne; infant daughter, Susan; his parents; sister, Faye (Bill) Sjoblom; sisters-in-law: Neva Lewis, Clarice Tanberg, Linda Henslee, and Florence Lien; brother-in-law, Robert Jones; and step-grand daughter, Nicole Boggess.

   Don is survived by his children; Linda (Gary) Nicklason of Nevis, MN, David (Pam) Hendrickson of Remer, MN, Cheryl (David) Wolf of Watford City, ND; sister, Marilyn/Tootsie (Dwight) Lindberg; 9 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

   Visitation will be Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 10 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, Remer, MN. Burial will follow immediately after, at Fairview Cemetery, Remer next to his lifelong home and hobby farm.

   Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To   sign   the   online   guestbook   or   send   condolences   visit   www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

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