Melvin "Mel" Hendrickson

Mel started his adventure of life Dec. 17, 1923, born in the farmhouse on his family's homestead in the Moiese Valley. After 91 years, he ended this leg of his adventure at Community Medical Center in Missoula on Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.

Mel spent his early years whooping it up in the valley, while helping his dad and brothers tend the farm. Ever the "cowboy," he developed a passion for horses and spent much time out riding, however it was not long before he took notice of the beautiful girl next door, Connie Willoughby. Taken with her as he was, they began to court. When a job opportunity called Connie to California, refusing to be without her, Mel soon followed, where he found work as a landscaper.

Mel and Connie were married June 3, 1950. After returning to Montana to start their family, they settled in Superior, where he took a job with Diamond Lumber Co. With seven mouths to feed, Mel worked two jobs for most of his working life. Many in Superior remember the excellent work he and his sons did in caring for the local cemetery. His lifelong love of horses filled any vacant time he had, even into retirement, when he would bring his delighted grandkids to help feed his cherished horse, Sam.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Connie; his sons, Lyle (Diane) and Orval Scot; daughters, Kim (Rick) Lange and Renee Hendrickson; and his beloved grandchildren, Ristan (Suba) Lange, Reanna Lange and Jina Dahl. His is also survived by his younger brother, Joe (Dolly) Hendrickson of Paris, Texas; as well as several special nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by an infant child; his oldest daughter, Maxine Hendrickson; his parents, Henry and Inez Hendrickson; brothers, Clarence and Orval; and sister, Eva Porter.

Dad, we miss you terribly, but know you now have time to saddle up the best horses God has to offer.

Mel's family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Community Medical Center, especially Dr. Anderson and Dr. Stern, for their tender care of Dad and the kindness shown to our family.

Memorials can be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church of Superior.
Read Melvin 'Mel' Hendrickson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.