Obituary of William A. Hendrick

Hendrick, William A., Sr. "Bill" Saginaw, Michigan Passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Monday, September 17, 2018. He was 94 years old. William Arthur Hendrick was born on January 24, 1924 in Saginaw to the late Joseph P. and Grace Louise (Costa) Hendrick. Bill was a graduate of St. Mary's Cathedral High School in 1941. He then furthered his education at the University of Notre Dame, earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, graduating within 3 years in 1944. Bill was drafted within two weeks of his graduation and entered the U.S. Navy Seabees, serving as a third class electronics technician mate and a second class petty officer. Bill was kept busy for the next year repairing and salvaging equipment to send back to the U.S. He finished his service in June 1946 and went into the family business a few days after returning home. On April 12, 1947, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Patricia Burns, and together they celebrated over 61 years of marriage until her passing on May 15, 2008. Bill worked for R.C. Hendrick & Son, Inc. from 1946 until his retirement in 2003. He served as the company's president from 1972 until 2003. During Bill's working career he proudly handled many commercial projects, including building the St. Mary's Core Hospital, Jacobson's, Deisler Funeral Home, all phases of the Bavarian Inn Motor Lodge, Covenant-Mackinaw, and many schools and churches within Saginaw and the Lower Peninsula. Despite the demands of his own business he found time to participate in several professional and community organizations including: serving as past president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Michigan, past director of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, past chairman of AGC of Michigan - Advancement Program, past chairman of the AGC of Michigan Labor Relations Executive Committee, and at the end of his career he was inducted in the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame. Bill was a strong supporter of the Saginaw YMCA, serving on the board, and was past president. In addition, he was past board member of the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation, past director of the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, past director of the National Bank of Detroit Saginaw, past board member of the Saginaw County Historical Society, and past president of the Saginaw Country Club. Bill was also a faithful member of St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church. Bill is survived by his five children: Tricia Kovalik, Chip (Pam) Hendrick, Kevin (Barb) Hendrick, Colleen (Mike) Humphreys and Peter (Sue) Hendrick; thirteen grandchildren: Bevin (Devon Renock) Kovalik, Patrick (Megan Lee) Kovalik, Katie Kovalik-Suter; Trace (Kelly) Hendrick, Heidi (fiance, Matt Seagrave) Hendrick, Luke (Danielle) Hendrick; Erin (John) Crist and Sean (Laurie) Hendrick; Caitlin (Justin) Ellico and Grace Humphreys; Emily, Mary Claire and Shannon Hendrick; seventeen great grandchilden; brother, Larry Hendrick; sister, Carol Hendrick; sister-in-law, Susie Burns. Bill was preceded in death by brother, Roger Hendrick; and sister, Joan Miller. Bill's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his caregivers: Sharon Bond, Gwendolyn Murphy, Tawania Johnson and Tyan Murphy, and also, Bill's dear friends, Fred Roberto and Dr. George Gugino. FUNERAL: The Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2018 at St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Military honors will be held at the church under the auspices of the United States Navy and V.F.W. Post #1859. Private Committal will take place at St. Andrew Mausoleum. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday, September 19, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, September 20, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to The Saginaw Community Foundation - Hendrick Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com