Henry "Dean" Hendrickson was the only child of Henry T. and Jessie N. (Benedict) Hendrickson, born on Feb. 15, 1932, in Chehalis, Washington. He passed on June 11, 2025, in Castle Rock, Washington, at the age of 93. He was a Winlock High School graduate.
Dean was a mechanic at local gas stations and auto dealers from 1950 to 1952. He was drafted by the U.S. Army on Sept. 3, 1952, and served in West Germany as a communications operator in the Signal Corps. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 11, 1954, then served eight years in the Reserves at Fort Lewis. After Fort Lewis, he was employed at Shakertown, Winlock for thirty years.
Dean married Anna Mae (Lorentzen) Eklund in August 1969 until her death in 1987. Anna and Dean had dated since 1963 and raised three stepsons. Living in Winlock, he devoted most of his life volunteering in the community with the American Legion, VFW, 40&8, and Winlock Egg Days from 1958 to the present.
Dean is survived by his three stepsons, Kevin, Mike and Darrell Eklund; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins. “Papa Dean” was his most treasured title.
A military graveside service will take place on Wednesday, June 25, at 1 p.m. at the Winlock Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life and cookie social at the Winlock Senior Center at 2 p.m. Please join and share stories.
The family requests any donations be made to the Winlock Egg Day Committee or the American Legion in his name.
