Vivian L. Hendrickson

(Vivian L. Hendrickson 9/9/1929-1/1/2026)

At 96 years young, on the dawning of the new year, Vivian L. Hendrickson of Oconomowoc, WI finally met her long-awaited Heavenly Father. She was born on September 9, 1929 to Archie and Alma Smith in Fremont, Michigan and had three older brothers (Melvin, Harold and Max). She married Charles Hendrickson, her high school sweetheart, on August 6, 1949 and they welcomed three daughters, Jan (Ben) Shackleton (decd), Kay (Dave) Blank and Drs. LeaAnn (Neal) Schroeter. With their daughter’s marriages came 9 grandchildren, and subsequently 17 (and a ½) great-grandchildren.

In their younger years, she and Chuck visited numerous countries and the family traversed the United States and Canada with a tent or camper in tow, but always ready to make a “business” stop for Chuck. Vivian was a poised hostess for his many business dinners and carried herself with grace and dignity.

Vivian’s love for her family and the Lord were the two driving forces in her life. Family gatherings brought her immense joy, and she constantly marveled at how blessed she was to have held so many great grandchildren in her arms. She was a savory cook and hosted countless gatherings at her house. No one could enter her home without being offered a meal. She also had an incredible green thumb and cultivated many gorgeous flower gardens over the years, a trait she passed on to each of her daughters. Every year she would say she was going to cut back, but she could never say no to pretty flowers.

The key thing that Vivian will be remembered by though is her steadfast faith in our Heavenly Father. This is the trait that her community knew so well. After losing her beloved Chuck in 2013, she poured herself even more deeply into mentoring women and hosting Bible studies. Right up until the last few weeks she still had two weekly studies meeting in her home. She was a “spiritual mama” to so many women. As a fierce prayer warrior, Vivian prayed for every family member and her friends every single day, without fail. There was nothing more important to her than seeking fervently after her Father and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Vivian has been ready to meet her Savior for a long time and always said that each day was a “bonus”. This Christmas her cup was filled to overflowing with nearly every family member from six states and two foreign countries present with her in her home. With tear-filled joy family said “See you later” as she was ushered into her eternal home to see her Savior and finally hear those long-awaited words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

A celebration of Vivian’s life will be held at Crosspoint Community Church on Sunday, March 1st, visitation at 2:15 PM, service at 3:00 PM with food and fellowship to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in her name to Gideon’s International (https://www.sendtheword.org/) or provided to family to distribute to the financially struggling Kurtuluş (Salvation) church in Ankara, Turkey.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com