Charles J. Hendricks

Charles J. Hendricks, 92 of Lakewood, Colorado passed away, May 30, 2025.

Charles (Chuck) was born on August 29, 1932, to parents Pete and Marian Hendricks. He was their only child. Due to family and economic circumstances, he was raised by his maternal grandparents Charles and Olga Collin in the small rural community of Lake Preston, SD. As a teen he worked summers operating many types of farm machinery involving mowing, raking and baling of hay. In high school Chuck played trumpet in the band. He attended Boys State in 1949 and met his future wife Donna Reetz who was serving his dining table.

Chuck enrolled in the school of engineering at South Dakota State University in the fall of 1950. While home for the holidays in 1952 he received his U.S. Army draft notice. After basic and leadership training at Camp Roberts California, Chuck was on orders for combat in Korea. Days later a cease fire agreement was signed, and his orders were changed to state-side duty. Upon discharge in 1955 he returned to SDSU graduating with a degree in agricultural engineering in 1956. Chuck and Donna were married after a six-year courtship on June 1,1955. They lived in a university owned farmstead working off some of their rent by making improvements to the property while Chuck finished his education.

In 1958 Chuck joined the U.S. Forest Service working on engineering assignments throughout the west. He advanced into management in 1964 and served in positions at Clear Creek Job Corps Center in Carson City, NV; Superior National Forest in Duluth, MN; Shawnee National Forest in Harrisburg, IL; and Caribou National Forest in Pocatello, ID. He retired in 1992 after serving as Director of Mineral and Water Resources for the Rocky Mountain Region based in Lakewood, CO. He continued working several years as a consultant navigating federal land easements for individuals and businesses.

In the early 1960s, Chuck purchased the family farm originally homesteaded by his great-grandmother near Lake Preston, SD. Over time he acquired additional farm property, actively managing the business along with the Tolzin family as the farm operator partner. This partnership continues and has been conducted on a ‘handshake’ agreement over two generations.

Chuck and Donna made many lifelong friends over the years. Always an involved church member in every community where they lived, Chuck sang baritone in church choirs and was a frequent session member. He was a handy-man extraordinaire for their home, neighbors and friends. Chuck rebuilt five classic VWs starting with his daughter’s first car, a 1965 VW convertible. Chuck and Donna traveled abroad with friends, participated in many National Association of Forest Service Retirees events, and enjoyed jazz and symphony concerts. They frequently traveled back to SD to visit family and friends, attend high school reunions, and check on the farm.

Chuck’s wife of 69 years, Donna preceded him in death by six months. Chuck is survived by daughter Cheryl, son Lane (Julie) and grandson Michael.

Over the 40 years as residents of Lakewood, Chuck and Donna were active members of 1st Presbyterian Church of Lakewood and later St. Andrew Presbyterian Church of Denver. A service will take place when Chuck and Donna are laid to rest at Lake Preston Cemetery later this year.