"The one who shows courage even when the numbers are against him is truly brave." Darrell F. Hendricks, 60, De Pere, passed away Monday, January 30, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Darrell was born October 25, 1951 to Ronald and the late Audrey (Zittlow) Hendricks. He was a graduate of East De Pere High School. He served his country in Vietnam from 1970 to 1972 as a member of the U.S. Army. On December 1, 1973, he married Nancy Hecker at St. Mary's Church in De Pere and shared his life with her for 38 years.
Darrell was employed at Fort Howard Paper Company (GP) for 28 years and was most recently employed at Tufco Technologies.
His hobbies included camping, fishing, golfing and bowling. He was proud of having scored two 300 games and an 803 series. He also cheered for the Green Bay Packers and enjoyed attending Packer games with his buddy Greg. Each November he looked forward to the annual family deer camp.
Darrell is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his father Ronald Hendricks; brothers and sister, Daniel (Marta) Hendricks, Dennis (Treasia) Hendricks, Susan (Pat) Martin, Larry Hendricks, and Tim (Cheryl) Hendricks; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Sally Hecker; sisters-in-law, Bonny (Dave) Schmidt, Debbie (Chuck) Vande Hei, Vickie (Mike) Goemans, Sharon Bilodeau and Dianne (Scott) Liss. He is further survived by his godchildren, Tim Hendricks, Doreen Maes, Shayna Tenor, Nathan Bilodeau and Taylor Bilodeau, "his boys". He will be truly missed by his "furry kids" Lily, Peanut, Eli and Katie. Darrell also leaves behind many relatives and friends.
Darrell joins his mother, Audrey; and his grandparents, Charles and Hazel Zittlow and Fred and Rosella Hendricks in Heaven.
Visitation for Darrell will be on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 305 N. Tenth St. De Pere from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m with a prayer service to be held at 7:00 p.m.. Visitation will continue at First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, 1018 Cedar St. De Pere, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., when a funeral service will be held with the Rev. Jan Davis officiating. Military honors to follow. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Hendricks family.
Special thank you to Dr. Groteluschen, Dr. Leenstra, Tara, the wonderful staff at Green Bay Oncology and the Unity Hospice nurses, especially Sharon, for the compassionate care given to Darrell.
