Anthony J. Hendrickson

Sherman- AJ, Tony, Anthony are just a few names this man went by, but anyone who knew him could call him friend. The "Last True Blue American Boy Left" used to be a favorite quote, and that described Tony well. He rode the rails for 37 years and his Harley just enough to keep the dust off. He was a straight shooter, he lived life and never knew a stranger. He loved his family -he was proud of his boys-and a sparkle was always in his eye for his buddy Gage.

Anthony J. Hendrickson, 55, died suddenly on August 6, 2011 at his home. He was born September 27, 1955 in McGregor, Iowa. He married Mary Stoeffler on December 11, 1976 in the St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church in Mount Hope, Wisconsin. They lived in McGregor, Iowa and Perry, Iowa before moving to Sherman in 1980 when Tony joined the Frisco Railroad. The Frisco RR later emerged as BNSF. Tony worked as a brakeman and engineer in his railroad career. Tony loved to cook outdoors and fly-fishing on the Mississippi River was in his blood. He was blessed with a full life and many friends.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Donald Hendrickson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Hendrickson of Sherman; mother, Helen Hendrickson of Prairie du Chien, WI; two sons, Matthew Hendrickson and his wife Melissa of Pottsboro and Eric Hendrickson of Sherman; one grandson, Gage Hendrickson of Sherman; two brothers, John Hendrickson and wife Priscilla of Prairie du Chien, WI and Steve Hendrickson of Marshalltown, Iowa; nephew, Mike Hendrickson and wife Tina of Prairie du Chien; niece, Jill Elfgrin and her husband Paul of Kansas City; nephew, Gary Hendrickson of Denison and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and his Redneck Riviera Friends.

A rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM Wednesday August 10 at Waldo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 PM following the rosary. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 11 at St. Anne's Catholic Church with Rev. Jeremy Myers officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The register book can be signed online at waldofuneralhome.com.

Tony enjoyed a good story and told quite a few while making his rounds and his friends were a part of every day. He will be missed more than any of us know, but as Tony would say, "Every day is Friday and every night is Saturday night and every meal is a banquet."