Jerry Hendricks

With a journey that spanned over nine decades of faith, friendship, and precious moments shared with family, Edward “Jerry” Hendricks brought so much light into the lives of his loved ones. His family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure, and the values of honesty, humility, and courage he lived out each day serve as both an inspiration and a challenge for all those who looked up to him to follow in his footsteps. Already so missed, Jerry will be forever loved and remembered.

The early 1930s were tumultuous years to be living in the United States of America. Following the historic stock market crash in 1929, the Great Depression was a heavy burden on the shoulders of many families across the nation. Even during such a difficult time, there was celebration and joy to be found in the Grand Rapids household of Edward and Helen (Crowley) Hendricks. The couple announced the arrival of their second child, a baby boy they named Edward Jerome after his father, on February 18 of 1931. Little Jerry joined his older sister, Donna, in the Hendricks family. He would become a big brother himself to Tom nine years later.

In many ways, Jerry grew up as a typical energetic child of his generation. His father worked at American Seating while his mother was a dedicated homemaker. As a boy, Jerry had a love for the outdoors. He got to spend much of his time at his uncle’s farm and apple orchard, where he enjoyed hunting and shooting his BB gun. The Grand Rapids Press even featured nine-year-old Jerry in an article after he managed to shoot a pheasant with his BB gun. He attended Star one room schoolhouse, then moved on to Union High School, where he excelled athletically as a baseball player. Jerry was also involved in a program with the United States Navy as a teenager. He secretly enlisted in the Marines for a short time, until his mother found out and demanded he finish high school first, which he did in 1949.

It was around this time that Jerry met Betty Haan, the sweet young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. The two were high school sweethearts and quickly found themselves head over heels in love. In 1951, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army. He started basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and finished up at Ft. Campell in Kentucky. Jerry soon learned that his unit would be sent to Germany in October of 1951, and so he hitchhiked all the way back to Michigan so that he could be reunited with his Betty. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives as husband and wife, Jerry and Bettty were married on July 5, 1951, so that she could join him in Germany. However, he never ended up in Germany after all and was instead sent to the war in Korea while Betty remained in Michigan and brought their first daughter, Lynne, into the world.

While overseas, Jerry served mainly on the front lines in Korea. He was able to enjoy some R&R by playing on the Army baseball team. For his bravery and heroism throughout his service, Jerry was honored with several commendations, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He finished out his enlistment back in the U.S. in Columbus, Indiana, where he was asked to coach the Army baseball team. In 1954, Jerry returned to Grand Rapids at last. He and his growing family settled down in their home on Valley Avenue NW, near the baseball stadium so that he could continue playing.

For a brief chapter of life, Jerry returned to his job at Consumers Power. He then had a morning milk route before painting houses in his afternoons for a business he started himself. From about 1958 to 1963, Jerry started Plastics Products Company with a family member financed by large personal loans. When the business failed and left them in debt, Jerry and Betty did what they had to do and worked hard on their 10-year plan to pay off the debt instead of filing for bankruptcy. Jerry sold medical supplies for various pharmaceutical companies and went on to launch his own company, West Michigan Medical Supply Company, in 1980. He continued running the business for over 15 years before retiring in 1996.

Of all the things Jerry loved in life, he cherished his family above all else. After Lynne, their twin boys, Jim and Dan, joined the family. Jerry thrived in his role as a father, and he passed his love of baseball and golf down to his kids. The Hendricks family enjoyed time at the beach in Muskegon, as well as memorable trips to Arizona and Florida. Holidays were always spent with Betty’s parents, and Jerry would read The Christmas Story each year. Later in life, Jerry was overjoyed to watch his family grow to include several beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. He was a fun-loving, goofy grandpa, and watching his family flourish was one of his biggest blessings.

Jerry’s faith was his firm foundation. He was a longtime member of Standale Reformed Church and served in many positions and ministries over the years. Once, when Jerry was out on a boat in the middle of a huge lake, a fog rolled in that was so thick he could barely see past the end of his boat. He was terrified, but another boat approached and led him safely back to shore. Jerry firmly believed that he had encountered an angel that day. In his free time, he loved playing baseball and eventually made the shift to softball. He played well into his 60s, competing with his sons, on church teams, and even on a senior team that played in national tournaments. Jerry and Betty loved spending time at their cottage at Silver Lake throughout their retirement years. They escaped to Arizona and Florida for several weeks each winter, and they enjoyed visiting Hawaii, Mexico, and other beautiful locations around the world. Jerry liked playing golf. He kept meticulous care of his lawn and garden, and cookies were his greatest weakness.

When reflecting on the life of Edward “Jerry” Hendricks, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his fierce, unconditional love for his friends and family. He exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord he served. Although he is already so greatly missed, Jerry leaves behind a priceless legacy of service and integrity that his loved ones can be proud to pick up and carry on in his memory.

Edward Jerome Hendricks, age 95, entered his heavenly home August 10, 2026. Jerry was born February 18, 1931 in Grand Rapids to the late Edward and Helen (Crowley) Hendricks was also preceded in death by his sister, Donna Nordhoek; brother, Tom Hendricks; and daughter-in-law, Karyn Hendricks. Jerry was a veteran of the Korean War, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army. He was a longtime active member of Standale Reformed Church. Jerry retired from sales in the medical supply field. He will be remembered for his love of baseball and for his steadfast love for his family. On July 5, 1951 Jerry married Betty Haan and enjoyed 75 wonderful years of marriage. His wife Betty survives as do his children, Lynne (Dennis) Zondervan, James (Lois) Hendricks, and Daniel Hendricks; grandchildren, Tara (Scott) McDuffie, Ryan (Whitne) Zondervan, Brea (John) Strong, Bret (Alicia) Zondervan, Katy Hendricks, and Aaron (Sarah) Hendricks; 16 great grandchildren; and 4 great great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6-8 PM and beginning at 10 AM on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested to Matthew’s House, Alzheimer’s Association, or Standale Reformed Church.