Robert Dean Hendricks

Robert Dean Hendricks, 78, of Fargo, ND, passed away on February 26, 2016 at Bethany on University due to Parkinson’s disease. Robert was born on December 4, 1937 to Ned and Margaret Hendricks in Verdon, NE. His family moved to Sidney, NE where he graduated from Sidney High School in 1956. Robert attended Kearney State College where he met his future wife, Nancy Lonn.

Robert and Nancy married on May 29, 1960. Robert and Nancy began their teaching careers in Fullerton, NE where he taught from 1960 to 1963. They moved to Kearney, NE in 1963 and taught there until 1965 when he moved his family to Fargo, ND where he began his 36 year tenure with the Fargo Public Schools.

He began teaching at Central High School prior to the school burning in 1966 where he endured the next two years of split classes at North High while South High was being built. Robert was one of the original staff members for the first day of classes at South High, where he taught until retiring in 2001.

Robert taught English and Journalism during his career and was the Advisor for both the Sudhian Newspaper and the Bruin Yearbook. Robert took great pride in passing along his knowledge to his students on how to be great reporters, photographers, how to verify the facts, and that reporting the truth is always absolute.

Robert lived and breathed as a Fargo South High Bruin; bringing to the school wide spread recognition and many national awards for himself and for his student’s outstanding journalistic abilities. Robert could always be seen walking the halls and at every home game with camera in hand. Robert, better known by staff and students as “RD”, was well known in the community for his ability to capture the Bruin spirit and the pulse that kept the Bruin spirit alive during his tenure. RD was the true living “mascot” of the South High Bruins.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Ned and Margaret Hendricks; brother, Ned Hendricks Jr.; two infant brothers; sister, Betty Grothe; in-laws Earl and Beth Lonn.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy; daughter, Lynda (Buck) Paulson, Woodbury, MN; son, Bryan (Nukhet) Hendricks, West Fargo, ND; daughter, Sally (Ty) Schmidt, Albertville, MN; and son, Bradley (Tina) Hendricks, Mayer, MN. He is also survived by his grandchildren, John (Vanessa) Paulson, Abby (Tim) Yocum, Jessyca Macklin, Logan Schmidt, Madyson and Morgyn Hendricks; Sister-in-law, Joy (Jim) Coffey; brother-in-law, George Grothe, and 13 nieces and nephews.

Robert had a lifelong love of the outdoors and in 1969 he began sharing that love with his growing family. Every weekend was spent camping at Itasca State Park, Meadow Lake, or Big Elbow Lake. Robert would also plan cross country trips to visit grandparents in Nebraska and Arizona and the routes taken were never the same. These trips, naturally, occurred after summer school was completed. There was nothing better than being loaded into the family car with the Apache pop-up camper in tow, headed to state and national parks across the southwest United States. Like the true journalist that he was, a camera was always within reach and everyone learned to be photogenic, including the wildlife. This was truly Robert’s time to spend the quality time with his family he needed after teaching high school students all year.

Besides the family trips, Robert enjoyed many hobbies outside of the family and teaching career. He was a member of the F-M Camera Club in which he would enter his works of art for judging. The time Robert spent on learning new computer programs to “tweak” his masterpieces was exciting to watch. Every day he would bring new life to an old photograph. Even after retirement, the twinkle in his eye for great works of art never faded.

Robert also enjoyed the art of woodworking. Taking a solid piece of wood and transforming it into something beautiful and practical was a true joy for him. Hutches, bedroom sets, dining room tables, and desks for his grandkids are just some of the creations crafted by his own two hands. All of these items have stood the test of time and are just as strong as he was.

Robert D. Hendricks touched the lives of thousands during his life. Inspiring everyone to do their best, work hard, meet your deadlines, do what they love, enjoy life, be self-sufficient, and be thankful for what they have earned. These are lessons that will last a lifetime with everyone, especially his family.

Dad, you were more than just a son, husband, father, grandfather, and role model; you were our life and no one would be where they are today without you. You will forever be missed, always loved, and never forgotten.