Dale E. Hendrickson, 80, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord on May 27, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born on January 25, 1946, in Perham, Minnesota, and was raised by his devoted parents in Menahga, Minnesota. He attended District 75 North School and later graduated from Frazee High School.

On June 19, 1965, Dale married the love of his life, Rita Oelke, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Menahga, Minnesota. Together they built a beautiful life and lovingly raised their three daughters in the Twin Cities.

Dale worked for many years in the drywall business with Hendrickson Brothers Drywall. From a very young age, he taught himself how to fix nearly anything, and throughout his life he became the person everyone turned to when something needed repairing, rebuilding, moving, towing, or figuring out. Whether it was an appliance, a car, a tool, a fish house, or a wall, ceiling, or floor, Dale could handle it with skill, patience, and kindness. For years, he was everyone’s “bulldozer”.

An outdoorsman at heart, Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. He traveled across the country on memorable hunting adventures for elk, moose, antelope, caribou, and more. He also took pride in processing and smoking his own meat. Minnesota deer hunting became an annual tradition filled with laughter, stories, jokes, shenanigans, and cherished memories.

Dale and Rita shared a love of old country music and enjoyed attending concerts together across several states. They also made sure their children were raised with strong Christian values while creating countless memories through adventure, camping, and family vacations throughout the United States. Many weekends were spent “Up North,” creating a lasting appreciation for family, togetherness, and time spent outdoors.

Later in life, Dale and Rita welcomed seven grandchildren and then four great-grandchildren, whose joy brought them endless happiness and pride.

For several years, Dale and Rita attended Grace Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Dale will be forever remembered and deeply loved for his kindness, sense of humor, playful spirit, and the love he shared so freely with others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Viola Hendrickson; parents-in-law, Marlon and Marie Oelke; sister, Linda Hintzen; and brother, Kelly Hendrickson.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Rita Hendrickson; sister Lois (Mic) Ballard; sister-in-law Karilyn Hendrickson; daughters Cheryl Hendrickson, Shelly Tjosaas, and Tammy Anderson; grandchildren Jessy (Matt), Jamie (Josie), Matthew (April), Timothy, Braden ( Lilac ), Micah, and Lucah; great-grandchildren Karter, Sterling, Scarlett, and Sullivan; along with many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dale’s services will be held on what would have been his and Rita’s 61st wedding anniversary, a meaningful reminder of the love and life they shared together.