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Daniel Hendriksen

April 22, 2021
Portage, MI

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Hendriksen, Daniel, Sr. Portage Age 92, passed on to glory on Thursday, April 22, 2021. Dan was born in Zeeland, Michigan on February 12, 1929, the son of the late Rev. Dr. William and Rena (Bakker) Hendriksen. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and did undergraduate studies at Calvin College. Dan earned two master's degrees from the University of Michigan and later completed his PhD in Linguistics and Education there. Dan served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and was stationed stateside for one year before being transferred to Okinawa where he served his country in the fields of education and intelligence. Dan spent his entire career as a professor of linguistics and in his early years taught at the English Language Institute at the University of Michigan and at Ball State University. He retired from Western Michigan University, where he spent more than 25 years as a professor of linguistics and was the founder of the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students Program. In his retirement, Dan enjoyed many years volunteering for Crossroads Prison Ministries, where he mentored prisoners in Bible lessons and sent them letters of encouragement. Dan also volunteered with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. The highlight of his retirement was teaching English in Russia for retired military officers with his wife, Shirley. He devoted his life to serving his Lord and was always an active member of his church. On July 29, 1954, he married the former Shirley Westendorp who survives. Dan is also survived by his children, Dawn (Rev. Dr. Thomas) Wolthuis, Daniel, Jr. (Nancy) Hendriksen and Beth Hendriksen; grandchildren, Hope (Jeff) Meador, Shanna (Jamie) Trecker, Hannah (Josh Moote) Hendriksen, Jennie (Kyle Watkins) Hendriksen, Hendrik (Sophia deReeder) Kachoeff and William "Bill" Kachoeff; great-grandchildren, Cadence and Levi Meador; several in-laws and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Besides his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard Hendriksen, sister, Geri Kerkstra and step-mother, Rita Hendriksen. A service to celebrate Dan's faith and life will take place at his church, Third Christian Reformed Church, 2400 Winchell Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 1:00 PM with the Revs. Dr. Thomas Wolthuis, Dr. Ken Baker and Derek Zeyl officiating. A time of visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service. Private interment with full military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. The family requests that those attending the service wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. The family expresses gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Kindred Hospice, HomeJoy and the Area Agency on Aging. Memorial contributions in Dan's memory may be made to Crossroads Prison Ministries, Kalamazoo Literacy Council or Geneva Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.