Honoring My Dad's Life
My dad was diagnosed with leukemia in April of this year. After a brutal round of chemotherapy in the hospital, he was released to hospice care at home. He surprised us all by making a dramatic rebound from the symptoms of his disease. The following seven months were a gift. We understood the symptoms would come back, and they did, right around Thanksgiving. He died in his sleep at home with my mom by his side. He was surrounded by friends and family in his final days, and I’m grateful that I was able to have that time with him.
God is good. He is faithful, and he is near. I feel his love. I am comforted knowing that this hard goodbye is temporary. I know these things are true, and I also refuse to brush over the pain of loss. I won’t pretend that these aren’t dark days and I’m letting myself feel all the feelings.
From his obituary:
On December 3, 2021, Dennis Paul Hendricks, age 67, of East Wenatchee, Washington, passed away peacefully and into the loving arms of Jesus after a battle with cancer.
Beloved husband to Janice for 47 years, and father to Dawn (Derek) Klinge, Jeremy (Jenny) Hendricks, and Darcie (Donny) Graves.
Devoted grandfather to Grace, Emilee, Trent, Cody, Caitlyn, and Billy.
Brother to Wayne (Debbie) Hendricks, Tim (Janice) Hendricks, and Sue (Larry) Horton.
Born in Virginia, Minnesota, on December 6th, 1954, predeceased by his parents, Alvertus Hendricks of Ohio and Myrtle Domsten of North Dakota, sister Sharon Hendricks, in-laws of William and Irene DuCette (Nelson).
Dennis had a love for humor and was known for his jokes. His smile was an ever-present fixture, a reflection of his deep and abiding faith in Christ, the foundation of his joy.
A man of service, Dennis derived great pleasure in contributing to his community, particularly those at Wenatchee First Assembly. He also served as a city council member for East Wenatchee for many years and was proud of his efforts to lower taxes.
His career included work as an inspector for the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission and various maintenance jobs within the Washington Department of Transportation.
Gratitude was a hallmark of Dennis’s life. In his last days, most of his conversations were focused on expressing how thankful he was for his many blessings—time with his wife, family, and friends and the good life he’d lived. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held at Wenatchee First Assembly on December 13th, 2021, at 11 am. His friend and pastor, Jerry Beebe, will be officiating.
