It was a great honor to play in the same orchestra with Steve. He was a great musician and friend. I will always think about him and miss him.

My father was my best friend and mentor on so many things in my life.  I always feel such a tremendous loss for myself and for the world as well.  He was not only an outstanding trumpet player, but an outstanding man as well.  I hope we can all remember him, and find ways to keep his memory alive.  

 Sincerely,
Son Brett Hendrickson

Steve was my cousin and a great fellow. I remember him visiting the Josephson home in Rye, NY when he was just a teen. It was summer and my brother Marc & I took him to the track as we worked out in the heat of the late summer preparing for Football season.  Steve was a Cross Country runner and amazed me as he took the outside lane and ran endlessly, seemingly without effort. I've never really understood distance runners as I was a contact sport guy. He gave me insight to the determination and mental discipline of people who just ran and ran. Those qualities made him do so many great things in his life. I've often used him in my classroom as a proud example of accomplishment when you chase your dream, apply your skill and persevere. 

My condolences to the Hendrickson Family.  I knew Steve as a fellow member of St. Mark's and  we worked together with the Life Center and Stephen Ministry.   Steve was so filled with faith and love and he shared that faith and love with everyone in a quiet unassuming way.   He was a blessing to me and so many others and he will be missed beyond words.  



Steve was always so nice, gracious, fun and patient to me over the years.  He spoke very highly of my Dad (Ted Thayer) and my Dad of him on many concerts about how great he sounded.  Stevr was one of my biggest influences for trumpet in my highschool years.  He helped me create a much bigger sound, and my lips were always tingling after a lesson with him, but I felt I could fill a huge concert hall thanks to him.  He was the nicest person and even let me borrow one of his trumpets for an audition.  I wish I could have played for him again and enjoy hearing his amazing sound in person one more time.  Our hearts go out to all of you and know that Steve will be greatly missed.  At least he and our Dad can play together again in the heavens.  

Much love, 

The Thayers 

So terribly sad to hear of Steve’s passing. I became friends with him in 1985 when I studied with him. As a person he was a true gentleman, and a kinder person I never met. One of the biggest regrets I have is that as a teacher, musician, and trumpet player he never knew the incredible impact he made on me -all because I didn’t have the presence of mind in later years to reach out and tell him. 

Heartfelt condolences to all of his family members.

Warm regards,

Eric Hummel

I always knew Steve and his music would go places. I played trumpet along side him in the Decorah band, was his prom date in 1969, and partnered with him in a golf tournament the day the US put a man on the moon.  It sounds like his music was enjoyed by and inspired many. He will be missed. My condolences to his family
Nancy Welgos/  Peterson/a high school friend


Dear Virginia and family,

I am sorry for your loss. I remember Steve’s playing fondly and will always remember how he sent me the most cards of anyone while I was recovering in the hospital. He was a truly caring man and a great one to share a Norske joke at work with!

My condolences to your entire family. 

Glenn Donnellan

Steve and I played in Civic Orchestra.  Together we would practice, perform and occasionally go to auditions. In 1975 we sat next to each other as extra trumpets to play Janacek’s Sinfonietta with the Chicago Symphony.  In 2009 we again sat next to each other to play the Janacek with the CSO……only this time our teacher, Bud Herseth, was in the audience, instead of on stage.  It felt instantly comfortable, as if we had just seen each other last week. Steve and I were friends, and I will miss him.

To the Hendrickson Family,

     Mr. Steve Hendrickson is one earliest memories of servant leadership and a giving spirit in my life. He accepted a scrawny kid new to the area that looked nothing like him, had no similarities in background or upbringing to him, and possess a total lack of instrumental talent into his home one spring day in 1991 because his daughter asked him to. What Mr. Hendrickson did not know was that his kind gesture that day, and multiple subsequent kind gestures over the following years would support a passion that led to the instruction of over 10,000 students in the musical arts. I often speak of that random day in 1991 to anyone that will listen.  Over 30 years later I am still humbled and in awe by Mr. Hendrickson's kindness and generosity. I am sure there are dozens, maybe even hundreds of stories like this that people can share about him. It would not surprise me at all!  What I can say about my story is that my life was forever changed and impacted in a major way by him, and I will be eternally grateful to him and the Hendrickson family for opening their doors to me. Grateful for seeing beyond class and status. Grateful for investing in an unknown kid from the other side of the tracks because they felt it was the right thing to do.  My only regret is that I never got to say thank you in person to him as an adult, and share with him the massive impact his gift to me has had on the musical world.  Thank you Mr. Hendrickson for being a rare light in a world that can be dark and cold at times.  Thank you for being a spark that sparked many inspirations along the way across the US and the world. Thank you for being my first ever private teacher.  Your presence will be missed but your memory will be carried on for generations to come!

With Best Regards,

Cedric L. Solice
Master of Music Performance Conducting Graduate - Syracuse University 

I will always remember Steve as not just a great trumpet player, colleague, and friend, but as a very kind, thoughtful, and generous man. I met Steve in the 70’s and played trumpet with him in various groups. I was runner-up to him for his first job in London, Ontario and my first audition. Before the finals, he encouraged me and said, “C’mon Karen, one of us from Chicago has to win!” After he accepted the position, he came out and said to me, “I am sorry, but it was my turn.” He was right!  What a wonderful player and person.

Carl remembers the fun we had playing quintets! @NU, School of music with Mark Skolnik and others. 
Our deepest sympathy! Carl and Nancy Rieck 

I was saddened to receive the news of Steve’s passing. Steve was a frequent visitor at my home where we shared a cup of coffee or tea and fondly chatted of our years as members of the NSO. Steve was a fine musician and superb trumpeter, a great loss to the music world.
He will be fondly remembered by his friends and colleagues for his sense of humor and high ideals, plus his great playing on the  NSO recordings of the 1980’s and 90’s.

I met Steve in 1980 as a freshman student at North Park College in Chicago. I remember our lessons together as well as his recitals, which were so beautiful and musical. We kept in touch over the years via Christmas cards and in recent years, Facebook. He was always encouraging and inspiring, and his sound so much like Herseth's. Steve's passion and enthusiasm impacted myself and so many others. Prayers to all of you, his family and friends, in these days ahead.

Steve and I played in the London Ontario orchestra in the late 70's and remained friends ever since. I would meet him in DC to smoke cigars and talk about classical music. We spoke frequently during the pandemic. He was a dear friend and I will miss him very much.

My oldest daughter who lost her father in her young years was a frequent visitor to the Hendrickson home due to her friendship with their daughter.  Mr. Hendrickson welcomed her as a member of the family and was a stellar strong father figure to her.    She remembers him as a caring man who filled a need in her life.  May his memory be eternal.

In 2021, at the height of the Covid shutdown and while we were all hunkered down in our homes, Steven found out it was my birthday.  He stood at the end of his driveway (we live next door) and played "Happy Birthday" to me on his trumpet.  Several of the neighbors came outside and clapped and cheered.   Just wanted to share my nice memory of such a nice guy.

Leah and David Reid

Steve and Virginia were like my second parents.  I grew up across the street from them and spent most of my childhood playing with Angela.  I knew their door was always open and spent many evenings at their dinner table and Sunday mornings at St. Marks, followed by grilled cheese on rye for lunch.  

Steve was an amazing father and always wanted all of us to experience the world.  Summers were filled with trips to the Kennedy Center, Wild World, museums in DC, Monticello, and more because the symphony had downtime in the summer.  

I will never forget how mesmerized the first time he took me and Angela to see the musical Cats.  It sparked a love for the arts that is still alive today.  Just a few years ago Angela, Virginia and I had dinner and saw Hamilton.    

My childhood was difficult and unstable at times.  Steve and Virginia knew that, and their home was truly my haven when things were not going well in my house.  I was able to see what a real family looked like and witnessed how a husband was supposed to love and treat his wife and children.  Steve adored Virginia, Angela, and Brett.  If it was not for this family, I would not be the person I am today.  I am forever indebted. 

So, with this I say, thank you for being the man, father, musician, and Lutheran that you were.  You have changed and shaped the lives of so many.  Your legacy will live on in those that you have guided.  RIP Steve.


Enjoyed our visit with Steve and his wife. Ron showed him his hit n miss engines.  Steve was fascinated. It was such a special time. 
Hugs to all of you. 
Wyonne Styve Priebe, class if 1969 at Thomas Roberts High School in Decorah, Iowa. 

I am truly sad and will miss Steve immensely.  He was always so kind to me and treated me like a professional at all times. We enjoyed spiritual talks and many wonderful brass rehearsals and performances.  Of particular note was playing with Steve in Gabriel’s Brass, a brass quintet as part of Christian Performing Artists Fellowship. And also the NOVA brass quintet Christmas Caroling we did for many years.  Steve leaves us an inspiration of whom we should emulate while we are here on earth.  Thank you Lord for Steve and his friendship and shining example!  

I am so very sorry, Ginny, for your and your family’s loss of Steve! -This was shocking news, and I am still absorbing it.  He leaves in his wake a legacy of generosity of spirit, good will, musicality, and many, many lives touched.  You could not have had a bigger fan than you had in Steve, your best friend and life partner for 50 years.  I remember how he talked with me about you during our senior year, full of admiration, deep respect, and obvious affection for you.  I don’t think that ever changed.  I will always remember Steve picking me up from the DC hotel in his sports car and the lovely dinner and evening at your home. I celebrate that Steve was blessed with the life of his dreams, playing his heart out and sharing wonderful comradely with his fellow musicians, and having the family you created together. I am holding you, your kids and grandkids in my thoughts and prayers, wishing you comfort, peace and strength.
Sheryl Niebuhr

One of my best friends in high school.  Just spent 30 minutes listening to some of his performances.  Absolutely beautiful!

Many have known Steve through his beautiful gift of music.  He truly was an amazing musician.  I,  fortunately, also got to know him on a personal level and had the privilege of calling him "family."   When I think of Steve,   I think of how he always made people feel important and supported.    He had a wonderful gift of making meaningful and long lasting connections with everyone he met.    It didn't matter if it was a brief encounter with a stranger or a long relationship with a friend.  All  left him feeling better.  He valued friendships and daily sent notes, cards, postcards to many friends and family.   It was important to him to stay connected to  people.    He many times sent cards to our children with notes of encouragement and support.   He also many times included $20 -$50 for them.    He recognized the struggles of others and did what he could to ease the pain.   His love and support for his family was  inspiring.   He adored Virginia as well as his children and grandchildren.    He leaves a legacy that inspires all of us to be better.   RIP Steve.  Until we meet again...Mary Hendrickson (sister-in-law)  

My heart was deeply saddened when I heard the passing of Steve. He has been my trumpet teacher for nearly 30 years. A great teacher, man of faith in God, humble,  great musician. He has taught me to sing through my instrument, to tell a story and have a musical image in my mind and evoke emotions in the listener.  He played effortlessly, wonderful tone quality. I try to emulate my sound and tone after Steve example. He was exceptional performer and had an extraordinary career.  He has performed with the City of Fairfax band on several occasions. This picture was taken after a City of Fairfax Band concert where Steve was our soloist. He performed Excursions - by Bruce Broughton. He also was our soloist when the Band performed Alexander Arutunian's Trumpet Concerto. I'm going to truly miss him. 


I first met Steve when a bunch of us were hired by the Chicago Symphony to play extra . I was struck not only by his playing but his humility, humanity and optimistic outlook.  He'll be missed in the trumpet world., no doubt.
Jim Ross 
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra 

My deepest condolences to Steve's family.  Steve was my trumpet teacher for 2 years at North Park in Chicago.   After he left for NSO we keep in touch and I always looked forward to our correspondence.  In 2003 when he found out I was going through breast cancer treatment he sent me flowers.  I am so grateful to have known him and to have been his student.  He has brought such joy and beautiful music to so many.  My heart goes out to everyone he has touched.


OBITUARY

Steven Eric Hendrickson

April 2, 1951 – August 26, 2022

Demaine Funeral Home

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