Marilyn Hendrickson

Marilyn Karen Hendrickson, age 97, of Christine, North Dakota, passed away peacefully in West Fargo, North Dakota, on June 20, 2026.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Richland Lutheran Church in rural Walcott. A luncheon will be served after the service, with burial to follow at Christine Lutheran Cemetery.

Marilyn was born on May 19, 1929, to Helmer and Olga (Wold) Forness on their family’s Centennial Farm along the Wild Rice River near Colfax, North Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at Richland Lutheran Church in rural Walcott, where she developed a lifelong Christian faith and experienced the close-knit fellowship of neighbors, friends, and a church community that helped shape her values.

She attended Eagle District Schools #6 and #7 before graduating from Abercrombie High School in 1947. In 1948, Marilyn began her career as a telephone operator with Northwestern Bell, serving in Lakota before transferring to Wahpeton and later Fargo.

On November 19, 1954, Marilyn was united in marriage to James G. Hendrickson. Together they made their home on the Hendrickson family farm along the Wild Rice River, just a few miles northwest of the Forness farm, where they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family while raising their children, Mark, Joni, and Scott.

Marilyn's work ethic was evident in everything she did. The farmyard and landscaping were always beautifully maintained, and the house and vehicles were cared for as if they were new. During the busy spring and harvest seasons, she faithfully prepared and delivered meals to the field, all while raising her children with unwavering love and dedication.

Even in the winter, Marilyn always kept herself busy. She enjoyed baking, scrapbooking, embroidery, and playing cards. There was always a project or treat to share. Family members could count on homemade favorites like Krumkake and Rice Krispie bars and something fresh waiting whenever they stopped by. She lovingly created scrapbooks for each of her children and grandchildren, treasured time playing cards with family and friends, and never missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune. She faithfully supported her children and grandchildren in all their activities and led by example through her hard work, strong Christian faith, enduring values, and commitment to family. She was the glue that held everyone together.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Joni (Kevin) Kotts Park Rapids, MN; her son, Scott (Machelle) Hendrickson Christine, ND; and her grandchildren and their families: Tara Miller Charlotte, NC; Travis (Jessica) Miller and their children, Kinzee and Carter, Wahpeton, ND; Tessa (Aaron) Mohs and their children, Bailee, Britta, and Bridger, Wahpeton, ND; Hailey (Jared) Haverland and their children, Eva and Crew, Colfax, ND; Samantha Hendrickson (Connor Ose) Fargo, ND; Rylee Hendrickson (Mason Vogeler) Wahpeton, ND; Melissa Sundstrom and her children, Morgan, Bristol, and Gunnar, Abercrombie, ND; Kaitlyn Schafer and her daughter, Ellie, Wolverton, MN; Danielle Kern (Mike Burns) and their children, Anastasia and Bojay Carr and Leo Burns, Oklahoma City, OK and Corbin Ihland Kent, MN. She is also survived by close family friends Bruce Amundson Abercrombie, ND, Lisa Monson Christine, ND, Janice Lindgren West Fargo, ND, Pastor Ron Lande Brooklyn, NY, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother; her husband, James; her son, Mark; her brother, Don (Marilyn) Forness; her sister, Jeanette (Jerome "Bud") Rindahl; Jim's four older brothers and their wives, Harris (Alice), Melvin (Doris), Elroy (Speed), and Arthur (Georgene); and her sister-in-law, Marian Koenig, and her husband, Ray. What a joyous reunion in heaven.