Donald Leroy Hendrickson, 87

On Memorial Day, our proud Army veteran went home for his face to face with the Lord. What a glorious day for him.

Don was born on May 3, 1934, to Harris and Elizabeth Hendrickson in Plentywood, Montana, and raised on Medicine Lake. Don loved being a Montanan.

He married Betty Nygard 67 years ago and that’s where the true journey began. They both started out working for Montana Dakota Utilities and Don continued there, becoming an electrical engineer and retiring after 39 years. They had two children, Dave and Robin, who contributed many gray hairs to both parents growing up. Don was not a man who carried pride around with him and he was always willing to help others, no matter what their circumstance or status in life were. His involvement as a Boy Scout leader was a passion and the kids loved learning from him. This was the start of his love for helping people.

Being a Mason was also very important to him, as were his brother Masons. Don was an avid model plane flyer and just as avid at wrecking them. The Old Coots flying club was a big part of his weeks and the members were good friends. Don lived the best life, full of honesty and integrity, and is now home with family and friends rejoicing with our Lord and Savior, probably flying model airplanes with him.

Don is survived by his wife Betty, his son Dave Hendrickson, his daughter Robin and husband Guy Shanks; his grandchildren, Justin Foster and wife Kieran, Samantha Harlow and husband Nathan, and Charlotte Milchman; his great-grandchildren, Brantley, Lincoln and Hadlee Grace; his two sisters, Marilyn Austreim and husband Bob, and Deb Sandstrom and husband Ward.

Home waiting for him are his mom and dad, Harris and Elizabeth, also his three brothers Hank, Arlo, and Tim

All memorials will go to the unfunded sports at Bigfork High School.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m on June 11 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork, with a reception. Urn burial will follow at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the Army National Guard and the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.