Phyllis Hendrickson, 82

July 12, 1942 -

August 25, 2024

 

NEW HAMPTON - Phyllis Louise Hendrickson was called to her heavenly home by the Lord on August 25, 2024.

She was born on July 12, 1942 to Herbert and Gaynol (Bauer) Meyer in Spring Valley, MN and was raised along with her 5 siblings on the Meyer family farm just north of town. She attended Spring Valley Schools where she graduated in 1960 which she always said was "The best class ever." During her school years she played in the band, was an active member/volunteer with many clubs and organizations, as well as youth group at First English Lutheran Church. As a teenager, Phyllis met the love of, her life, Percy Hendrickson at a church social event in Cherry Grove, MN and must have made an impression, as Percy pestered her at her car hop job at the Malt & Burger in Spring Valley, until he finally convinced her to go on a date with him. They were united in marriage at the First English Lutheran Church in Spring Valley on February 14, 1959 and were nearly inseparable for the next 64 years.

 Early in their marriage, Phyllis and Percy moved around the Cherry Grove, Spring Valley and Lanesboro areas. In 1967 they planted their roots just south of Greenleafton, where they raised their five children and dairy farmed until 1997. Off the farm, Phyllis worked the night shift at Spring Valley Hospital as a Nursing Assistant for many years and then as a Home Health Aid for Fillmore County. When the kids were all in school, she started working at the Harmony Elementary School as a Para-Professional, which eventually developed into her becoming a Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant for the First SE MN District, where she traveled to numerous schools in the area working with disabled and developmentally challenged kids. Later in her career she worked at the Alternative Learning High School in Harmony with challenged teens, with the final position of her career being with MN Workforce Centers, where she was In charge of working with local businesses to provide jobs to teenagers in need of employment. Phyllis was an extremely hard worker on and off the farm and was well-known for being a tireless advocate for children with special needs.

 Phyllis was notorious for having one of the most beautiful gardens in the area and for being a tremendous cook and baker, especially her knack for making the best pies. She was an active member of the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church for many years, where she taught Sunday school and vacation bible school, organized many church events and was a part of the United Methodist Women's S group. Later in life she was active as Prayer Partner at the Greenleafton Church and helped with many social events. Throughout her life Phyllis volunteered with numerous organizations, most notably as a 4-H leader, a board member with the Fillmore County American Dairy Association and volunteer at local Public Libraries. She and Percy were long time members of the Lime Springs and Greenleafton Saddle clubs and loved to attend community celebrations events, they enjoyed polka dancing watching their kids, grandkids & great-grandkids at school events, hosting card parties and neighborhood get togethers and just spending time with family and friends.

 In 2002 Phyllis & Percy moved to a small acreage in the Lime Springs, IA area when they somewhat retired. They became active in numerous community, organizations, events and were known as being great friends and neighbors to many and always lended a helping hand when it was needed,

 Phyllis loved her family and friends deeply and was deeply loved by them. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed

 She is survived by her five children, Kevin Hendrickson of Spring Valley, MN; Christine Root (Randy Mohs) of Harmony, MN; Todd (Sue) Hendrickson of Preston, MN; Scott (Laurie) Hendrickson of Harmony, MN; Bridget (Tim) Jacobson of Roseville, MN; seven grandchildren, Michael (Emily) Root, Brittney (Taylor) Jarland, Amanda (Aaron) Gillespie, Cody Hendrickson, Megan (Tyler) Kappers, Ashley Jacobson, Abby Jacobson and twelve great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, two brothers, several sister and brother in-laws and many nieces, nephews and cousins

 She was preceded in death by her husband Percy, her parents, one brother, one sister, parents in-law, a son in-law and two infant granddaughters.

 A memorial service for Phyllis was held on Monday September 2, 2024 at Greenleafton Reformed Church in Greenleafton, MN with Pastor Dan Johnson and Dallas Groten officiating. Burial will take place at Cherry Grove Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-7 P.M. Sunday September 1, 2024 at the Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley and will continue on Monday at the church from 11:30 until 12:30.

 The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care.

 Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com