LaVerne (Vern) Andrew Hendrickson, 95, Minot, died Monday, September 2nd, 2019 in a Minot Nursing Home with family by his side.

Vern was born on July 13th, 1924 in Mitchell, SD to Andrew and Emma Hendrickson. He was raised and educated in South Dakota and Minnesota.

Vern worked alongside his Dad for most of his teenage years. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy in June, 1943, and served as a gunner's mate for a Corsair squadron in Jacksonville, Florida during World War II until May of 1946. He was an honorably discharged veteran.

In 1954, he met the love of his life, Joyce Maxine Witt, while working construction on the Parker Hotel in downtown Minot. They were married on January 20th, 1955 and traveled around the upper midwest as construction jobs were available. They returned to Minot in the early 60's, where they raised their two adopted sons, Andrew born in June of 1962 and Mark born in December of 1963. He joined the Minot Police Department
as a police officer in the early 60's, serving in various roles and retiring as Chief of Detectives in 1983.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and sharing adventures and laughter with Joyce, Andy and Mark. He loved helping Joyce support her passion as an artist and handcrafted hundreds of porcelain figurines, frames, and other mediums to support Joyce's fine art career. They would travel in their motor home, exploring the southwest, searching for treasures at antique shops, metal detecting, painting, and playing pinochle.

Vern was very proud of his sons and granddaughters, Sarah, Katie and Emily. He loved to talk about his family and was a great storyteller. He would share a conversation with anyone and had over nine decades of memories to share. He and his neighbor Rollie were great friends, always kept an eye on each other, lending a hand, keeping each other company. Vern and their dog, Amber, took care of Joyce for several years at home
before she died in a Minot Nursing Home in January 2017.

Vern was a member of the local bricklayer's union for over 25 years and the Minot American Legion, Post #26.

Vern's family includes: his two sons: Andrew Hendrickson of Temecula, CA and Mark (Paula Selland) Hendrickson of Bainbridge Island, WA; granddaughters Dr. Sarah (Zac Eichmeyer) Hendrickson of Yakima, WA, Katie (Sean) O'Connell of West Seattle, WA, and Emily Hendrickson of Denver, Colorado.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth and wife Joyce.

Graveside Service: Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 11:30 am at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot ND.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lutheran Social Services.