Raymond A. Hendrickson

Ray was born on Oct. 4, 1924, in Mohawk, Mich., the son of the late Arthur and Marie (Lepisto) Hendrickson. He was raised right outside of Hancock, Mich., in a small town known as Painesdale, and was a graduate of Jeffers High School where he excelled in swimming and diving.

On March 17, 1943, Ray enlisted in the United States Army and served throughout central Europe during World War II. While in service, Ray received medals of commendation which included the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Medal, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, two Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal and the distinguished Purple Heart.

Ray was honorably discharged in January of 1946 and returned home to Painesdale where he was united in marriage to his lifelong love, the former Catherine Nevins. Together Ray and Catherine made their home and raised their family in Painesdale before relocating to Gladstone in 1963. Ray attended Suomi College, which was later renamed Finlandia University, where he received his associate degree in general business. He later went on to attend Northern Michigan University where he completed his bachelor of business degree.

In the early years of his career, Ray worked as an accountant for the Copper Range Mining Company and later for the State of Michigan Employment Security Commission. Over the course of his career, Ray continued to work for the State of Michigan in several capacities before retiring in 1986.

Throughout his retirement years, Ray and Catherine wintered in Mission, Texas, and were proud to have traveled to 48 out of 50 States and parts of Canada. Ray and Catherine shared many wonderful years of memories together. She preceded him in death on March 26, 2017.

Ray was a veracious reader. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and in younger years playing hockey. He was a member of All Saints Church in Gladstone and a member of the VFW Post 6165 in South Range, Mich.

Survivors include: son, Lee (Dr. Karol) Hendrickson; daughters, Patricia (Terry) VanEffen and Marie Masterson; grandchildren, Malena (Charles) McCrone, Patrick Masterson and Theresa Masterson; great-grandson, Ian McCrone. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his wife, Catherine, an infant daughter, and his parents, Arthur and Marie, Ray was preceded in death by: brothers, George and Kenneth Hendrickson.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visiting hours at 12:15 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone with the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71 presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at All Saints Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Robb Jurkovich officiating. Ray will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery following Mass. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions in Ray’s name may be directed to the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71.

Envelopes will be available throughout visitation. Messages of condolence may be offered at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com