Philip Joel Hendrickson

Philip "Phil" J. Hendrickson, age 97, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, March 7, 2017. He was born January 16, 1920 in Camp Douglas, WI, son of the late Lula (Singleton) Hendrickson and Joel Hendrickson.

Phil graduated from Madison West High School in 1937 and earned his bachelor's degree in Accounting from UW-Madison in 1941. He then went to work for the General Motors foundry in Saginaw, MI. In December, 1941 he volunteered for service as an officer in the United States Navy. He served on three destroyers and saw combat in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific Theatres. His final assignment was as Captain of the USS Haines (APD-84). He left active duty as a Lieutenant Commander in June 1946.

After his military service, Phil attended the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration and received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in November of 1947.
Phil married Elizabeth Brann June 14, 1947 in Lake Geneva, WI and spent the next 65 years with the love of his life. She preceded him in death March 6, 2013.

Phil and Betsy moved to Green Bay in 1950 where he began his career at Krueger Metal Products. He became President of Krueger in 1967 and retired as Chairman of the Board in 1985. He took great pride in the role he played in the growth and success of Krueger. He was also an active leader in national furniture, manufacturing, and business groups. He was a director of the National Association of Manufacturers and past Chairman of the Board of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.
In his spare time, Phil served the Green Bay community in several leadership roles, including the Green Bay Kiwanis Club and the American Cancer Society. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church, and served the church in many leadership roles.

In addition to his charitable and volunteer activities, Phil served on numerous boards as director or trustee. He served on the board of the Green Bay Packers for 36 years, including 6 years as Treasurer on the Executive Committee. Phil was also on the boards of the Saris Cycling Group, Associated Bank, The Bellin Hospital Foundation, The Ariens Company, Trudell Trailers, Shopko, Hansen Foods, Nelson Industries, and others. He was a founding director of Nicolet National Bank.

Phil was often sought out for counsel and advice from individuals with an idea. He enjoyed the process of bringing a product to market and playing a leadership and teaching role with managers and owners of startup and established companies.
Phil was a strong believer in education. He was a University of Wisconsin Regent, a trustee of the Bellin School of Nursing, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Norbert College and a strong supporter of UW-Green Bay.

In 1988 as a result of the death of their youngest child, Mary Heather Hendrickson Johnson, from melanoma, Phil and Betsy and Mary's husband Paul Johnson, established the American Cancer Society annual skin screening program in Green Bay. The program continues to this day.
Phil and Betsy enjoyed traveling, particularly with groups of friends. They also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their cottage in Baileys Harbor.

Phil is survived by his son Scott (Janice) Hendrickson and daughter, Sara (Chris) Fortune; 6 grandchildren: Heather Fortune, Kelly (Mike) Fortune Boettcher, Emma (Conner) Fortune Cowling, LTJG Andrew (Meagan Jones) Hendrickson, USN, Emily Hendrickson and Wiley Fortune. He is further survived by 7 great-grandchildren (and one on the way!) He is also survived by 2 nieces, Ann (John) Norman and Betsy Davis, numerous other relatives, dinosaurs, colleagues and friends.

In addition to his loving wife and daughter, he was preceded in death by his sister, LTJG Odette Hendrickson Davis, USN and brother-in-law, RADM John B. Davis, Jr., USN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hendrickson family scholarship funds at Bellin College, St. Norbert College, UW-Green Bay, or the Mary Hendrickson Johnson (MHJ) Foundation.

A celebration of Phil's life will be held at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (501 Howe St., Green Bay), Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 10 AM with Rev. Dave Wilkinson officiating. A reception in Phil's honor will follow at ST. NORBERT COLLEGE HENDRICKSON DINING ROOM immediately after the service. At 4:30 PM, Phil will be laid to rest next to his beloved Betsy with full military honors at BAILEYS HARBOR TOWN CEMETERY. To leave a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com or for more information (920)432-4841.



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