Vergene Hendrickson

Vergene ‘Bernie’ Lisbet (Makela) Hendrickson, age 59 years, of Park Rapids MN peacefully passed away into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Essentia Health In Fargo, ND.

Vergene was born on July 8th, 1962, in Duluth, MN to Uno and Maxine (Autio) Makela. She grew up in the small town of Floodwood, MN then in 1980 moved to Menahga, MN. She worked various jobs throughout her adult life including as a cook at Blueberry Pines Golf Course and as a CNA at Green Pine Acres and Diamond Willow nursing homes. She also had the privilege of serving as a PCA to her late grandson Brayden Teague. She had such a heart for helping and caring for others. In recent years she was blessed to lead a simple life filled with contentment.

Vergene dearly loved spending time with her grandkids, reading books and being silly with them. There are many pictures of Grandma Gene, her goofy faces and with grandkids on her lap as she read Little Black Sambo for the hundredth time, that will be cherished by them. She also enjoyed picking wildflowers, working on crafts, reading books, listening to music and walking in nature.

Memories of her will be held near and dear especially Mom‘s wonderful sense of humor and her loving dedication to her kids. Her almost daily question ’Did you poop today?’ was always met with a laugh. I don’t know how she kept her sanity as each of the kids would practice driving and she’d be in the passenger seat telling them they were doing it all wrong! And the family trips that tend to get chaotic, she was always so calm and happy. A smile was always on her face, and she sure lit up when seeing her grandkids. Quick stops to Moms were never quick as her calm and gentle wisdom would settle you in on the couch while she told stories of the past or just talked of day-to-day things. Even as you were leaving with one hand on the door knob the talking would continue for several long moments. The kids remember when they were younger that often Mom would be playing the piano unfazed as the younger kids would be banging on the keys next to her. She’d calmly move her hands around those of the little ones and continue to play as if nothing happened. Her sweet and gentle nature, stubbornness and dry humor will be missed by many.

Vergene is preceded in death by her Father, Mother, Brother Frank and Grandsons Brayden Redetzke and Cayden Hendrickson. She is survived by her children whom she loved wholeheartedly: Kim (Shawn), Adam, Trevor (Amanda), Jordan (Maggie), Justin (Riana), Travis (Josie), Derek (Brandi), Brielle and Tristan along with 21 grandchildren that brought her so much joy. She is also survived by brothers: Clinton (Alice), Lyle, Gaylord (Emily) and sister Doreen (Curt). She will be missed by many dear family and friends.

A private interment for immediate family will be at Mantyla Cemetery in Sebeka, MN. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Vergene’s children and grandchildren. A gathering in memory of Vergene for all who loved and whose lives were touched by Vergene will take place at a later date.

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