Fay Joseph Hendricks was born August 4th, 1926 on the family farm near Akron, IA to Evert and Gladys (McMahon) Hendricks. He attended Kindergarten through 8th grade at St. Joseph's Catholic School. When Fay was a freshman, the family moved to a farm north of Alcester where he attended high school. Fay loved football and played all four years. Four generations of the Hendricks family have played football for Alcester.

Fay joined the US Army on his 18th birthday and was inducted halfway through his senior year. His mother received his diploma during the graduation program as he was already deployed. Fay was stationed in the Philippines at the end of WWII where his company was involved in the "mopping up" operation of Japanese soldiers who refused to surrender.

On Nov. 19th, 1949 he married the love of his life, Mildred Millage. They were married at St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Beresford, SD. To this union six children were born. Right after their marriage they started farming. In 1952 they bought a farm northwest of Alcester where they raised their children. In 1975 they built a new home on Millie's family farm where they lived the rest of Fay's life.

Fay was very active in the community. He served as a 4-H leader for A-1 Livestock, a member of the local VFW Post, taught CCD at St Teresa's Catholic Church, was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Brilliant Hill school board and for 25 years gave a presentation of his WWII experiences to the junior history students at Alcester-Hudson high school, dressed in his original army uniform.

Fay was proceeded in death by his son, Steve, great-granddaughter Olivia Limoges, his parents, two brothers Bob and Jim, sister        MaryJean, and his in-laws Henry and Hulda Otten. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, five children Nancy (DeLane) Fickbohm, Mary (Michael) Limoges of Alcester, daughter-in-law, Lisa Hendricks of Columbus, NE, Joe (Diane) of Sturgis, Kay (Tim) Winquist of Alcester, Laura (Greg) Alder of Lake Isabella, CA, 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends. Donations can be made to the local VFW Post 6149 or the charity of your choice.

Fay loved people.  He had many close friends of all ages and was a mentor to many, including his beloved family. He was most passionate about his faith, family and country. God bless his memory.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at St. Teresa Catholic Church, 901 S 3rd Street, Beresford. Visitation will be 5-7PM Monday, May 29th at the church with a prayer service at 7PM.