Obituary of Robert David Justain Hendrickson

Robert David Justain Hendrickson, age 80, of Auburn, Washington and Sun City West, Arizona, passed away on April 5, 2023.  He was a lovable, irascible and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Robert was born on May 16, 1942 to Robert Sr. and Marjorie Hendrickson in Cairo, Nebraska.  He grew up with a large extended family, working on the family farm and playing baseball on the local town teams.  Robert was a talented baseball player, like his father.  In high school Robert played sports and drove his 55 Chevy.  It was a glorious era. 

Robert graduated from Ravenna high school in 1960, and went on to study business.  In 1962, he married Karen Smith in Grand Island, Nebraska, and joined the air force the same year.  In the air force, while stationed in Madison, WI, Robert and Karen had 2 children, Nick and Shelley.  

In 1966, the family returned to Nebraska, and Robert began work in the new field of computer programing.  Robert built a successful business writing computer software for several small mid-west banks.  He coached little league baseball in Phillipsburg, Kansas.  His son cherishes those memories.  As the business grew, the family moved from Hebron, Nebraska to Laurel, Montana and Hutchinson, Kansas.  Robert developed a passion for golf, and he was a diehard Husker football fan.

In 1994, Robert & Karen moved to Auburn, WA and they enjoyed many years golfing and spending time with their granddaughter, Cecilia.  They later retired to Sun City West, AZ and continued to enjoy time on the golf course and backyard BBQ.  Steaks always medium rare.

Robert was predeceased by his wife Karen in 2014.

He is survived by his sister’s Sharon Sidders (Larry) and Sheila Hendrickson, his children Nick (Dina), and Shelley Day (Jamey), granddaughter Cecilia (Peter) Cadena, and great-grandchildren Rhys and Ryer.

In later years, Robert said that “I’m ready to go join your mother”, and so he has. Now he will enjoy eternity with his beloved wife, and playing baseball on a mythical field in Iowa, or hitting spectacular tee-shots on that heavenly golf course above.  We love you Pop.

Per Robert’s request, no services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Breast Cancer Research, an organization Robert felt strongly about.  Anyone wishing to send cards, please mail them to Shelley Day, 23711 70thSt. E, Buckley, WA 98321.  She will share them with the rest of the family.