Roger Hendricks

If a man’s wealth was measured in hearts touched, then Rev. Roger Hendricks would have riches beyond measure as he inspired so many who were under his care. A man of immense faith, he embodied the true Christian spirit with his kind, generous personality and his strong sense of conviction. He was driven, dedicated and hardworking in whatever task lay before him. The way before him was not always easy, but with faith as his guide, Roger accomplished much and loved abundantly. His life and his work are an inspiration to all.

Roger Paul Hendricks entered the world in the middle of the Roaring 20s, a time of excitement and energy in the United States. He was born on June 26, 1925, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to proud parents, Tyse and Jennie (Baker) Hendricks. He was 16 when his little brother, John, was born and completed their family. Roger enjoyed a typical childhood growing up on the northeast side of Grand Rapids. He was an animal lover from a young age and had a pet rabbit, rooster and dog. His father worked to support their family as a butcher, while his mother was a homemaker. They were active members of the Bethel Reformed Church, and this strong Christian upbringing would become an important part of Roger’s life and the foundation for his lifelong conviction to serve the Lord.

Roger was a very bright young man and went on to graduate early from Creston High School. He then followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Roger proudly served in World War II as a radio operator and chaplain's assistant, stationed in France and then Italy. He was honorably awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service to his country. Although the service took Roger miles from home, a certain young lady stayed on his mind the entire time. Barbara Alderink was from his church and they exchange letters throughout his tour of duty. Once home, Roger wasted no time and married his sweetheart Barbara on June 10, 1949.

After saying “I do,” the newlyweds settled in Holland, Michigan, where Roger attended Hope College and then Western Theological Seminary. After receiving his Masters of Divinity from WTS, Roger was called to serve a congregation in Falmouth, Michigan. He and Barbara put down roots here for about 5 years, during which time they welcomed the births of their first three sons, Paul, Robert and David. Rev. Roger was then asked to start the Redeemer Reformed Church in Royal Oak, so with that the family moved, and soon completed their family with the birth of their youngest son, Timothy. Much of the family life at home revolved around church activities. As a father, Roger enjoyed taking time to work with his sons, teaching them to use their hands to fix and build things, not to tear down. His life is now reflected in his sons, as they took the traits he instilled in them and developed their talents – their successes are his greatest legacy. Church and family most certainly kept Roger busy, but he wanted to continue his military service, which he was so proud of, by serving in the Michigan Air National Guard and later the Air Force Reserves. Early while in the Air National Guard, when his regiment would go for training in Alpena, Roger would pack his family up in the camper he built so they could be with him. Roger went on to earn the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as a Chaplain before retiring.

His family, friends and the congregations that he served would all agree that the two words that best describe Rev. Roger are caring and compassionate. He took a genuine interest in his congregations and shepherd his flock with all that he had. Determined and devout, it was Rev. Roger’s dream to inspire others through the word of God, which he himself so deeply believed in. It wasn’t a “job” to serve his congregation – he loved to preach and was always charismatic from the pulpit, inspiring many. After 10 years of starting the church in Royal Oak, Rev. Roger was called to serve the First Reformed Church in Decatur, Michigan, where he shepherd his flock for 17 years. He also helped along in the school and drove a bus when needed. After Decatur, Rev. Roger served as an interim pastor around southern Michigan, with his last church assignment being at First Reformed Church in Portage. Rev. Roger truly had a servant’s heart, but he also had a heavenly voice. Throughout his life, he had a deep passion for music and simply loved to sing. He sang in the choir as a boy, and enjoyed being part of the choirs in the many congregations he served, and directed some as well. Just a few years ago, Roger put his amazing tenor voice to good use as part of the Singing Crusaders. It was a joy to hear him sing!

Although the demands of his calling required many hours and sacrifice, Roger found time to enjoy life with such hobbies as fishing, boating and going to the cottage. During his time in Decatur, Roger bought a cottage on Eagle Lake, where many wonderful memories were made as the family gathering place. He loved being on the water, either sailing or on the double decker pontoon boat that always seemed to have trouble getting back to dock. Roger and Barbara loved spending time with their grandchildren, whether at the cottage or going to see them. Traveling was something they both loved to do, and upon retiring, they took trips around the U.S. to see their children and grandchildren, and enjoyed several trips abroad to Europe and Asia. In 1992, the couple moved to Raybrook Manor, where they enjoyed retirement life. They attended Hope Reformed Church, and nothing made Roger happier than being able to assist at some weddings in the family. Sadly, he lost his beloved wife Barbara in 2013, after 64 years of marriage.

Although his presence will be dearly missed, Rev. Roger’s spirit will live on through the many lives he touched.

Rev. Roger Paul Hendricks, age 89, of Grand Rapids, MI went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, in 2013. Roger is survived by his children, Paul Hendricks, Robert (Doreen) Hendricks, David "Al" (Jane) Hendricks, Timothy (Julie) Hendricks, Yp (Jane) Peuchen; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; his brother, John (Beverly) Hendricks; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gordon (Marian) Alderink and Joyce Bader. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Hope Reformed Church, 2010 Kalamazoo Ave SE, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Contributions in his memory to Hope Reformed Church are appreciated. To read more about Roger's life, share a memory or to sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com.