Donald Hendricks

Chatsworth, Iowa: Donald "Don" Eugene Hendricks, 80, of Chatsworth, IA, died in the arms of his beloved wife on Veterans Day, Wednesday November 11, 2015. Don passed away peacefully in the same home in which he was born. Celebration of life services will begin at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday November 21, 2015, at Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden, IA, with lunch to follow. Burial will occur at a later date. Don was born on August 7, 1935, to Jessie (Dirckson) and Chuck Hendricks. Don grew up in Chatsworth and went to school in Hawarden, walking the railroad track between the two towns to play high school football. After graduating from Hawarden High School, Don proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at the Korean DMZ (demilitarized zone) in ground support of the 38th parallel north with the Second Battalion, Platoon 472. Don achieved "Buck" Sergeant as he left the Marine Corps. After his military service, Don worked many years as a bulldozer operator and was known as "Dozer Don". He was a member of the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers in Illinois, achieving life time membership. Don also raised his family in Illinois. Don's children share many fond memories growing up in Illinois, especially time spent at Lake Thunderbird where Don and his best friend, Dave Schroll, taught the kids to water ski. Don returned to Chatsworth, and was known as "The Mayor" of the community. Don was an active member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Don preferred being outdoors, whether gardening, fishing, camping, mowing, tending the bonfire, golfing, or playing bean bag. Favorite outdoor spaces included his treasured back yard in Chatsworth, to Lake Andes in Pickstown, SD, to the high desert of Cordes Lake, AZ. Don managed to spend some time indoors, too, playing pinochle most afternoons with his "card buddies". But Don's favorite activity was dancing with his wife Dee. Family and friends can attest to the happiness they shared as they two-stepped to a variety of country tunes, with their signature dance song being "The Fireman" by George Strait. Don is survived by his wife Dee (Iverson); three children and their spouses: Deb (Brian) Rutherford, Diane Croft, and Dan (Debbie) Hendricks; two stepdaughters: Kelly (Jeremy) Huls, and Katie (Chris) Anderson; and 12 grandchildren: Scott & Alexa Rutherford, Anna & Amy Croft, Clark & Rachael Hendricks, Rianne, Austin & Carter Huls, and Kasadee, Cooper & Swayze Anderson; one sister: Shirley (Wayne) Rasmussen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his son Donny Hendricks, his parents, and his sister Margaret (Harley) Small. In lieu of flowers, Don requested contributions be made to The Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)

Memorial Service

10:30 AM ,Saturday, November 21, 2015
Porter Funeral Home ~ Hawarden
712 10th Street Hawarden, Iowa, Sioux 51023