Kent Louis Hendrickson, 73, of rural Ontario, Wis., passed from this life to be forever with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
He was born to Earl Henry Hendrickson and Geneva Merle (Gardner) Hendrickson on Sept. 29, 1951, joining Mark Nolan and joined later by Ward Myron. He attended the Van Wagner one-room country school, receiving excellent instruction from Beatrice Hillbo and Marjorie Rood. He graduated from Viroqua High School in 1969.
Kent attended two years at La Crosse State University for his pre-pharmacy classes, and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin in Madison to finish his pharmacy education, graduating in 1974. He passed the Wisconsin Pharmacy State Board Exam in January 1975, launching a 50-year career that he dearly enjoyed. He began working for Robert Kruk in 1972 at his Viroqua pharmacy as a general store helper. Bob sold that store to Dahl Pharmacy that summer, and Bob asked Kent to work for him in Hillsboro. From 1973 until now, Kent has worked in Hillsboro, making many dear friends.
The most important event in Kent’s life occurred on Aug. 7, 1973, while driving from Viroqua to work in Hillsboro. Kent had come to the realization that all his supposed “goodness” could not merit Heaven, nor clear his personal guilt before God. As he pondered these things, a thought came to mind, “But that is why Christ died, because I deserve to go to Hell.” Verses such as the following came to mind: John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”; 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”; and Romans 5:6, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Peace flooded his soul, and nothing could shake his assurance of salvation through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ from that moment until he was called home to glory.
On March 18, 1978, Kent married the only love of his life, Barbara Kay Ressler, at the Cedar Falls Gospel Hall, Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was a true companion, a diligent homemaker, and a faithful helper in all of Kent’s responsibilities. God blessed them with three children: Aaron (1980), Caleb (1988) and Hannah (1989). They have brought much joy and pride to their parents’ lives.
Besides activities connected with the upkeep of the house, yard and garden on days off, two activities primarily occupied Kent’s life for the past 50 years. During the day, he found great satisfaction in serving pharmacy patients and feeling rewarded by the many expressions of appreciation and many friendships formed. Early mornings, evenings and weekends, he spent much time reading his Bible, studying passages of scripture, keeping correspondence for the assembly of believers at Ontario up to date, and teaching the Word of God. These were his chief joys in life.
Kent was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Inez (Newton) Hendrickson and Melvin and Clara (Skildum) Gardner; his parents; and his two siblings, Mark Hendrickson and Ward Hendrickson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Hendrickson, and their three children, Aaron (Rebekah) Hendrickson, Caleb Hendrickson and Hannah Hendrickson.
(Authored by Kent Hendrickson)
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at Hillsboro High School, 777 School Road, Hillsboro, WI. (Enter School Road from Highway 33/82 and park in the large parking lot.) Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, May 2, from 4–6 p.m. at the Ontario Gospel Hall, 510 Division St., Ontario, WI. Visitation will also be held on Saturday at Hillsboro High School from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Lunch will be provided following the service. Burial will follow in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario, WI.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Truth and Tidings Gospel Trust (www.gospeltrustusa.org).
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
