Ronald Hendrikson Obituary

Dr. Ronald G. Hendrikson

January 18, 1954 - July 11, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Grant Hendrikson, DVM, who died on July 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Dr. Hendrikson was born on January 18, 1954, in Webster City, Iowa, to the late Geneva (Brones) and Merle E. Hendrikson.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife of almost 41 years, Nancy (Harris) of Oberlin, Ohio; and his siblings in Iowa: Brian (Joan) Hendrikson of Clear Lake, Kevin (Sue) Hendrikson of Ventura, Beth (Tony) Hack, and Mark Hendrikson of Mason City. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews. A devoted and loving husband and uncle, Ron was also a member of the Oberlin First United Methodist Church.

A Life of Learning and Service

Ron was raised in Mason City, Iowa, where he graduated from Mason City High School in 1972, achieving the prestigious Eagle Scout Award in the same year. He continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College before earning his Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University in 1977. In 1978, he traveled to Indonesia with students from Iowa State as part of the Student Project for Amity Among Nations (SPAAN), where he studied fish parasites and taught fish management. His passion for animals led him to Veterinary School at Iowa State, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1983.

Beyond his scientific pursuits, Ron was a talented cellist, playing with both the North Iowa Community Orchestra and the Southeast Iowa Orchestra from 1972 to 1984.

A Shared Passion for Life and Legacy

In 1983, Ron met his future wife, Nancy, while working his first veterinary job in southern Iowa, and they were married in 1984. He quickly embraced Nancy's passion for historical and heirloom plants, becoming an avid gardener himself. Together, they became lifetime members of the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa, in 1985, playing a vital role in preserving many rare types of seeds and plants.

They settled on an old farm in Oberlin, Ohio, the historic Delilah E. and John Copeland farm. Ron and Nancy meticulously researched the property, connecting with descendants of Oberlin's early abolitionist movement. Their efforts brought them close to the Copeland family descendants, who held many reunions on the property, creating a profound sense of extended family. The Copelands' son, John Anthony Copeland, was famously hung with John Brown after participating in the Raid at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, prior to the start of the Civil War.

A Respected Leader in Veterinary Medicine

In 1992, Dr. Hendrikson became the practice owner of the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital in Norwalk, Ohio. His leadership quickly shone as he became President of The Sandusky Bay Veterinary Medical Association in 1992-1993. A testament to his vision and dedication, he designed and built a new facility that was awarded the "Best Designed Small Animal Hospital Award" by Veterinary Economics Magazine in 2001. This was an international design competition, recognizing his hospital among top facilities in Australia, England, Japan, Canada, and the United States. In 2003, he was honored with the Goodwill Industries Employer of the Year Award, a recognition that was further acknowledged by the Ohio State House of Representatives.

In 2011, his practice received the prestigious "Practice of the Year" award from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Dr. Hendrikson was a proud member of AAHA for almost 25 years, a significant achievement given that only 12 to 15% of veterinary hospitals meet its rigorous accreditation standards. He was also a respected member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Association, and the Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine.

The "Gentle Doctor"

Above all, Dr. Hendrikson was most proud of his clientele-the devoted pet parents who loved their animal family members. He cherished every client, becoming a lasting part of their families, sharing in their concerns and joys as they cared for both human and animal companions. He will be remembered as a "Gentle Doctor," truly embodying the moniker associated with Iowa State University, home of the "Gentle Doctors" and the famous "Gentle Doctor" sculpture by Christian Petersen.

Interestingly, prior to vet school, Ron spent time riding in the vet truck and learning veterinary medicine from Lawrence M. Forland, DVM, of Northwood, Iowa. Dr. Forland, an Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, was the human model for Christian Petersen's iconic "The Gentle Doctor" statue. This globally recognized sculpture, depicting a veterinarian holding a sick puppy with its concerned mother at his feet, symbolizes the profound bond between humans and animals-a bond Dr. Hendrikson lived and honored every day with all of his clients.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a humane society of your choice. Dr. Hendrikson will be buried in Northwood, Iowa, with a service planned for a later date in Northwood.

Conner Colonial Chapel. 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, Iowa 50459. 641-324-1543. ColonialChapels.com