Obituary of Larry Hendrickson

Heaven has a new dress code: black shorts and a T-shirt with the sleeves cut off. On Friday, June 15, Minnesota lost a legend, Hendrickson Foundation founder, Larry Hendrickson, passed away from heart failure in his longtime Richfield home, both fully at peace and knowing well how very loved and respected he was. Born October 20, 1942, in Minneapolis to Joseph and Lorraine Hendrickson, Larry attended Ramsey Middle School, Washburn High School, where he was a multisport athlete. After graduating from the University of Minnesota and obtaining a master's degree from St. Thomas, he married the love of his life, Jane, and they settled in Richfield and raised children Christine, Darby, Danny, and Julie. Coach Hendy started his career as a teacher and varsity hockey coach at Richfield, reaching the state title game in 1976. Hendrickson helped his dear friend, Herb Brooks, prepare the "Miracle On Ice" Olympic hockey team for their gold medal victory in 1980, and served as the strength coach for both the Minnesota Gophers and North Stars. Hendrickson returned to the high school coaching ranks as head coach for Apple Valley in 1981 and then again winning a state championship in 1996 and coached at Benilde in 2006 way back in 1968 was a part of the St. Paul Vulcans organization winning their first National Championship. Hendrickson was inducted into the Washburn, Richfield and Minnesota High School Coaches Hall of Fame and his reach in hockey by design was across all levels. Hendrickson also founded the D.J. company, Spirit Unlimited, to support his family while he served in Young Life. Spirit Unlimited was an apt name for the fun they brought to all. Hendrickson's professional pinnacle was the foundation he established in his own name. The Hendrickson Foundation's motto is "Hockey Changes Lives," and the foundation, in its 8th year, has supported countless families with all sorts of challenges get out on skates or sleds to play hockey. Larry Hendrickson was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Joanne and Susan, brother in law Rick Hagen and many cherished "pups" dogs. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane, daughter Christine Krsnik (husband Renato, daughters Jane, Kate), son Darby (wife Dana, sons Mason, Beckett, Rennick, daughter Addison), son Danny (wife Megan, daughters Grace, Lily, son Robby), daughter Julie Oss (husband Dave, sons Leo, Nolan, Brody), brother in law Jim Hagen (Debbie, Jimmy, Emily) & Steve Johnson nieces Ruthie Lien (Dan) and Amanda Suchanek (Tom), nephews Paul Rahn (Hatice), Greg Rahn, and sister in law Kathy McGovern and his many friends, students, players, foundation families, DJ's and his special assistant coaches. A memorial service and celebration of Larry's life will take place on Thursday, June 28 at 4 PM at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and reception immediately to follow at the American Legion in Richfield, In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hendrickson Foundation are requested, which carries on proudly in Larry's honor.