David W. Hendricks

David W. Hendricks, 65 of Redgranite, WI, formerly of Galesburg, IL died peacefully on Sunday May 26, 2024 in Oshkosh, WI after a brief illness. Diagnosed with renal cancer in 2011, his cancer spread to his lungs and doctors said there would be nothing more they could do for him. Through advancements in immunotherapy and being a stubborn patient, Dave proved them wrong and was cancer-free as late as this past Spring.

Born June 30, 1958 to Clarence J. “Dusty” and Margaret Joyce Hendricks, Dave attended Galesburg schools and graduated from GHS in 1976. He swam on the swim team and played alto saxophone with the Marching Streaks and the Jazz Band. He attended WIU in Macomb for one semester and let’s just say, he had a very good time. He attended Carl Sandburg Junior College and received his associate’s degree in criminal justice. He married Patty Clevenger and they had three children, Jackie, Matt and Marshall. He worked at Wilson Paper Company and was eventually hired by the Galesburg Police Department as a patrolman.

Dave married Kelly Flanagan in June 1987 and his family resided on North Broad Street until his retirement. Dave rose through the department and eventually achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He was very proud of his service to the community. Like all of us, Dave was not perfect and placed a few hurdles in his own path. Early retirement didn’t come exactly the way it was envisioned, but his family and true friends were very proud of how he overcame those obstacles, paid his dues, and did all that was demanded of him without complaint. He lived out his later years in rural Wisconsin on five acres with Kelly and a host of pets—dogs and cats who had no idea they had won the jackpot when chosen to join his family.  Alas, Kelly finally had her own private dog park.

Dave is survived by his wife Kelly of Redgranite, WI; his daughter, Jacqueline Hendricks of Glendale, Arizona; his sons, Matthew (Amy) of Galesburg, IL and Marshall (Amanda) of Abingdon, IL. He had six grandchildren, Addison, Joseph, Caleb, Lexi, Miley and Kobe and one great grandchild Zeta. Also surviving are siblings, Joan Melissant of Pekin, IL, and Tom (Greta) Hendricks of O’Fallon, MO, and a brother-in-law, Mike Flanagan of Dallas, Texas. He leaves many nieces and nephews to cherish memories of Uncle Dave. Dave and Kelly were able to travel to Galesburg in March of this year and spent an evening reminiscing with most of his cousins, many who had not seen him in many years. His family was very important to Dave, and he loved them all very much.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, in-laws, an infant niece, and many dear aunts and uncles. Dave and Kelly also lost many beloved pets throughout their years together.