Jay Hendrickson

Jay E. Hendrickson, 99, of Hill City, S.D., passed away at his home on Nov. 22, 2020.

Hendrickson was born on Feb. 14, 1921, to John “Jack” and Mary Lou (Makke) Hendrickson in Huron. He proudly served as a Captain in the United States Army during World War II, enlisting on October 31, 1942 and was honorably discharged in December of 1954.

In 1937, Hendrickson joined the Civil Conservation Corps at age 16 and was housed at Mystic.

Hendrickson was owner of his own company, Grain States, Inc for over 50 years, primarily building feed mills from coast to coast.

Hendrickson was instrumental in forming the Hill City CCC Museum and spent many hours there.

Hendrickson was a very active 50 year member of the Lions Club.  He held offices including President and served on the Board of the S.D. Lions Foundation.  Jay was President of the S.D. Eye Bank and served as District Governor from 1992-1993.  Jay was inducted into the Lions Hall of Fame in 1999.

Hendrickson was a long time member of the Community Lutheran Church in Hill City and served on the Church Board.    He was also the President of the Board of the Rochford Chapel and caretaker at the Bell Park Cemetery near Rochford for many years.

Hendrickson is preceded in death by many relatives, including brothers, John and Ray and grandson, Darin Olson.  Also preceding him were many friends including his best friend, Lloyd Thompson.

Hendrickson is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elaine Hendrickson of Hill City; children, Loree Olson of Albert Lee, Minn.; Mischa (Bill) Conlan of Tracy, Minn.; Steven J (Susan) Hendrickson of Springfield, Minn.; six grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren as well as great great grandchildren.

Burial will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery and a Celebration of Hendrickson’s life will be planned for the Summer of 2021.

Memorials have been designated in Hendrickson’s name to the Rochford Chapel, Community Lutheran Church and the CCC Museum.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.