Ivan Hendrickson

Ivan was born January 26, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Perry Erwin Hendrickson and Julia Alice Groh Hendrickson. He grew up on Spring Branch Farm alongside his siblings: Mary Frances, Robert "Bob" Erwin, and Lyle Leroy. From a young age, Ivan dreamed of building a life close to his roots.

On June 19, 1959, Ivan married his high school sweetheart, Vivian Mae Van Aken. Together they built a home on land Ivan had cherished since boyhood and there they brought up their three daughters. Ivan found joy in sharing country life with his family—raising beef cattle, putting up hay, riding horses, open-fire cookouts, fishing, going on float trips as part of the Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club, and enjoying star-filled nights with a beer on the deck.

A proud member of I.B.E.W. Local 124 for over 65 years, Ivan gained local recognition for his role in hanging the iconic Kansas City Country Club Plaza Christmas lights for more than three decades. Ivan was quoted in the Kansas City Star, “After that first season he said, ‘I’ll never, never do it again.’ Here I am still doing it. But, you know, the anxiety’s worth it. And you know why? Because people enjoy the lights, and it’s nice to be part of something pleasant.”

After retiring, Ivan devoted more time to farming alongside his brothers and relished visits with his seven grandchildren. He loved being a part of his grandchildren’s passions including 4H, figure skating, and music performances. He also enjoyed reading, genealogy, the quiet pleasure of watching old westerns, and his favorite show, Blue Bloods.

Ivan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vivian; his parents, Perry and Julia; his brother, Robert; and his sister, Mary Frances Hook. He is survived by his daughters: Brenda Kay Thornton (Pat), Karen Kay Rosemann (Craig), and Kimberly Kay Bays (Rick Bice); as well as his grandchildren: Garett (Kaylee), Alex (Ellen), and Kellan Thornton; Allie and Olivia Rosemann; Zachary and Isaiah Bays; and his brother and wife, Leroy and Karla Hendrickson.

Services will be held on Monday, December 23, at Belton Christian Church in Belton, Missouri. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM followed by an 11:00 AM service. Burial will take place at the Belton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Kansas City Hospice House in Vivian’s memory.

Ivan’s legacy of love for family and the land he called home will forever be cherished by those who knew him.