Obituary: Karol Hendrickson, 84, Ludington.

Karol Hendrickson

Karol Jean Hendrickson, 84 of Ludington, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2016 at her home surrounded by her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all, we loved her very much.

Karol was born July 27, 1931 in Ludington to the late Clifford W. (Mildred Helen Kickland) Hendrickson. She was the oldest of eight children. She attended grade school at Lakeview Elementary and high school at Ludington High School graduating in 1950.

She worked as a laborer for Strait Steel & Wire for 45 years retiring in 1995.  Karol was a dedicated employee, when she retired Strait Steel & Wire gave Karol and her daughter a trip to Las Vegas.

Karol loved going to Little River Casino; when she was there all her worries went away. She fought a long and courageous battle with cancer for 18 years. She had cancer three times. She was such a strong and brave person. Karol loved Jeff Gordon; she was a fan from the day he started until his retirement last year. One of her dreams was fulfilled when her daughter Sharon and her husband Tom and Sharon’s friend Teresa took  her to a NASCAR Race to see Jeff Gordon race. But sadly he only went around the track three times before he crashed and did not get back into the race.

She enjoyed two trips she went on, one to Hawaii and the other Las Vegas. She didn’t really like to travel much, she loved being home.  She enjoyed being home, looking out her window at her rose bushes and gladiolas. She enjoyed watching the Food Network and QVC. She was also the caretaker of her brother James for many years.

Karol is survived by her loving daughter, Sharon (Thomas) Shepard and their children, Kayla Gaul and her children: Nathaniel and Natalie Gaul; Jessica Shepard and her children, Zoe and Bradley, Thomas Shepard Jr, his children: Jade, Keif, Takoda and Aubrey; Amber Shepard. Surviving her also are her brothers: James Hendrickson, Charles (Helga) Hendrickson, Robert (Arlene) Hendrickson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sisters: Marie Hendrickson and Martha Farmer; brothers: Douglas Hendrickson and Clifford Hendrickson.

A memorial service is being planned for this summer.

Memorial contributions in memory of Karol can be direct to her daughter Sharon Shepard at 501 N. Lavinia St., Ludington, MI 49431.

The family has entrusted Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Ludington with arrangements. Please feel free to share a memory or photo with Karol’s family on her personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com.