Robert David Hendrickson

Robert David (Bob) Hendrickson died peacefully in his sleep at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND on September 3, 2016.  Bob was born December 11, 1925 in Minot, ND to Fred and Isabel Hendrickson.  He attended school in Minot before enlisting in the United States Navy at age 17.  Bob served his beloved country in the South Pacific until his honorable discharge on December 21, 1945.             After returning to North Dakota Bob worked in his father’s grain elevator business.  In 1949, he went to work for the Great Northern railroad as brakeman.  He retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad as an engineer in 1984.             Bob married Arla Lawrence on October 11, 1962.  They shared a love for dogs, and spoiled many over the years.  Their other passion was fishing.  They spent countless hours trolling for walleyes on The Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota. In mid-life, Bob decided he needed to exercise.  He became a dedicated swimmer.  In fact, he was featured in the Grand Forks Herald in 1992 for having recorded over 2,500 miles at the Grand Forks YMCA pool.  He recorded many more miles after reaching that milestone.             One of his most memorable experiences was being able to participate in an Honor Flight.  He joined other WWII veterans on a trip to Washington, D.C.  where he was able to visit the WWII Memorial, as well as other significant sites in his nation’s Capitol.             Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Mavis Thompson.  He is survived by his niece Alana (Mrs. Tony) Rustad, Grand Forks, nephew David (Rhonda) Thompson, Lakeville, MN, great nephews Mark (Erika) Rustad, Grand Forks, Nathan Rustad, Minneapolis, MN, grandniece Mandy Thompson, Lakeville, MN, grandnephew Phil Thompson, Grand Forks, and great-grandnephew Roman Rustad, Grand Forks. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks.VISITATION: One hour prior to the service.INURNMENT: Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.