James Elvin Hendrickson, 85, of Dell Rapids, South Dakota passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 at the V.A. Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls. Jim’s life was based on his Christian faith, to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord.
James Elvin Hendrickson was born to Elvin Bernard and Cornelia Augusta Yaeger Hendrickson August 3, 1940 in Beloit, Wisconsin. He joined his older brother Philip Erick Hendrickson.
Jimmy was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Beloit. There, he sang tenor in choir, studied the bible, and was active in youth group activities. Jimmy competed at the national level in the Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio 1954. Jimmy developed a love for music, learning to play piano and trombone. He participated in many instrumental and vocal groups throughout high school. Jimmy also earned income as a soda jerk at Liberty Pharmacy.
James attended Luther College for a time and worked for Woodward Governor in Rockford, Illinois. He continued to be involved in his community as a Jaycee and enjoyed downhill skiing, curling, fishing, and hunting. James became an avid dancer, wowing the ladies with his smooth moves and jitterbug machinations. James was drafted into the Army as an enlisted soldier and achieved the Specialist rank in Communications. James deployed August 1964 to August 1965 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base outside of Saigon, Vietnam.
James Hendrickson returned home and began to work in the Paper Pulp division of Research and Development for the Beloit Corporation. While James was singing in the church choir, he noticed one of the new, single teachers in town. Soon enough, Solveig Larson and James Hendrickson began dating and found a profound, lasting love for each other. United in Marriage on June 22nd, 1968 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Four sons were born to this union; Andrew and Lars (1969), Erick (1971), and Matthew (1978). James taught Sunday school and continued his church and community involvement.
James and family moved to South Dakota in 1973 for a time and then they moved to the Hendrickson century farm near Hammond, Wisconsin. James completed his college education graduating with honors from Stout University of Wisconsin with a major in Industrial Arts and Technology. He worked for Vollwrath Industries in River Falls, Wisconsin.
The Hendrickson family then established their home in Dell Rapids, South Dakota 1983 where he first worked in the lumber industry. He also taught industrial arts for a time at Fort Pierre, South Dakota and worked as a job counselor at the Springfield Penitentiary. During this time he provided insightful help and wisdom to neighbors, families, and friends with his innate ability to repair anything. He retired after 18 years at the age of 75 working for Larson Doors in Brookings, South Dakota. There he earned many accolades including being named to the Larson Red Pride Team in the year 2009.
Jim and Solveig enjoyed living in the Dell Rapids community. He was a member for 30 years at the American Legion George Fitzgerald Post. Jim continued to support the Pastoral work of Solveig. Jim always looked forward to his daily visits to T & C with his coffee and donut friends, (getting a coffee and a sweet treat was a mandatory practice).
Jim enjoyed freezing corn and putting up apple pies with his wife Solveig and sister-in-law Rebecca Randall. He was sure to make the best cranberry relish for Thanksgiving and Christmas time. He came to enjoy bird watching and peaceful time at the beach when living with his son Erick. Jim never wavered as a Green Bay Packer fan throughout their entire history.
He is preceded in death by his parents Elvin and Cornelia, his son Andrew, his brother Philip, his three brothers in law, one sister in law, and his grandson Joseph.
He is survived by wife Solveig, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren Lars (Shalesz), Jayden (Cheyenne), Shayda, Neyland, Baylor, Erick (Sofia) Marit, Freya, children of Melanie, and Matthew (Lanette), Lily, Maddison, Faith, Brennen. He is also survived by sister-in-law Rebecca Randle, brother-in-Law Dan Devaney, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jim loved his grandchildren and adored them, proud of their new lives unfolding. He would always light up when a grandchild or two would come visiting. Jim was the master of dad jokes, with a dry sense of humor. He often enjoyed the punchline of the joke far too much to be able to tell it. He is most likely chuckling right now.
The family would like to send our deepest gratitude and thanks to those friends and family that lended helping hands these past years. And to those mourning the loss, thank you for being a part of his life! James will be cremated and laid to rest with his son Andrew at the South Highland Cemetery of Sherman, South Dakota on January 24th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at Dell Rapids Lutheran Church in the Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on January 23rd, Friday. Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. with nourishment and fellowship following the service at the Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be given to ELCA Good Gifts through their link ELCA.org/goodgifts
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.