Funeral services were held Jan. 30 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson for Madeline Hendricks, 96, of Jefferson.
Words of comfort were offered by Bobby Palmer, pastor of First Baptist Church of Churdan. Meladee Graven was soloist accompanied by Janet Wills.
Casket bearers were Mitch Stream, Bryan Booth, Alex Olson, Aaron Wise, Daniel Madsen and Jared Morris. Interment was at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.
On February 25, 1923, Madeline Iona Hendricks was born in Churdan to Curtis and Dorothy Stream. Raised on a farm, one of her memories included living in a tent near Spencer while her dad was hauling gravel for a living.
She went to country school for her early years and graduated from Churdan High School in 1941. She received awards for her Underwood Typewriter accuracy.
She was united in marriage on December 3, 1947, to Keith Franklin Hendricks in Kansas City, M). They were the parents of three children: David Hendricks of Adel, IA; Diane Wise of Jefferson, IA, and Dennis Hendricks of Bagley, IA.
Madeline was ahead of her time. When computers came to the Farm Service Agency she was the first one to learn the system. She, in turn, taught the other girls in the office. She was excited about technology. She retired on June 30, 1988, after 30 years.
She enjoyed camping and fishing with Keith until his death in 1988. She continued her travels after retirement with Fun Travel. Alaska, Hawaii, touring the United States was a favorite pass time.
She loved her family and was always there when needed. Never mention something that you wanted as she was quick to locate or investigate it. She had Jefferson Telecom on speed dial as she investigated the latest phones or computers.
Christmas held special meaning for Madeline. Decorations were in every corner of the house as she anticipated the season. The reason; it was eggnog season. She was always fair to all. If one man got a flashlight they all did. In failing health this past Christmas she secretly called The Printer’s Box and had them do a package for the girls. Exactly the same.
Never one to drink, smoke or swear, (except an occasional “Heck-a-doodle!”) a granddaughter resurrected the naughty finger a few years ago. Everyone loved asking Grandma to give them a wave and the crookedest middle finger around would pop up always making us laugh and smile.
She maintained her independence living in her own condo until her illness began in mid-December. Quite an accomplishment at 96.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Keith; brother Marvin; son-in-law David Wise; and daughter-in-law Joyce. She is survived by her children David Hendricks of Adel, Diane Wise of Jefferson, and Dennis Hendricks and his wife Janet of Bagley; six grandkids; 1- great-grandkids and one more great-grand on the way; her brother Meredith Stream and his wife Mardel; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.
She passed January 28, 2020, after a short illness. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
