Delbert A. Kendrick
August 21, 1921 ~ February 9, 2015
He went to see the Lord on February 9, 2015. Preceded in death by wife, Margot; and siblings. Survived by daughter, Bonnie (John) Olsen; sons, Michael (Cyndee), Leland (Jean), Dennis (Sue), Paul (Janelle); 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one expected soon; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation 5-8PM Thursday, February 12th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. AW, Forest Lake. Funeral service 11AM Friday, February 13th at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail N, Scandia with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment Elim Lutheran Cemetery, Scandia. Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery.
Deepest sympathy to my dear friend Bonnie, John, Tina, Jennie and the entire family. Mr. Kendrick impressed me with his light-hearted ways and open affection for his wife and children. He always had that twinkle in his eye! A man of such loving ways and positive attitude will surely be missed by all who were privileged to know him, but thank God for the wonderful legacy he left.
I was fortunate to have flown many hours with Del. He was an outstanding pilot and he loved to fly. His real love was fixed wing aircraft. However, he transtioned to rotary wing aircraft with no lack of enthusiasm. Besides being a top notch aviator he was an excellent dairy farmer. If one was to look up the definition of a true gentleman (in my opinion) it would say “See Del Kendrick”! God Bless Del, his family and all those people who knew him.
My deepest sympathies to the Kendrick family. My favorite memory of Del: we were having breakfast at Paul and Janelles. Just meeting him, I was trying to make a good impression as a future mother-in-law of Cody. I knew he loved riding bike so I asked if he had his ‘Harley’ ready for spring. I quickly realized calling his Gold Wing a Harley, was not the way to make a good impression. The newlywed kind of love that Del and Margo showed each other after so many years of marriage was an inspiration for us all. May their legacy continue for generations! Gods blessings!
Del set the example for us all. A true patriot, professional aviator, and Soldier who taught us all how to live. One of the most loving and caring men I have had the honor to serve with during my career. A humble and gracious gentleman that had a monumental impact on the organizations he served in uniform. My condolences to the entire family, may God Bless you and give you peace.
I remember well the day that Del retired from the Army National Guard and stopped by Camp Ripley on his Gold Wing with Margot on the back and headed off into the sunset. He was a gentle man and a wonderful human being. He left the Guard and this world as a legend.
Del gave Betty her first helicopter orientation ride at Camp Ripley in 1981 when I became Post Commander. She was very nervous but he faithfully promised not to make any sharp turns and he kept his promise. We were fortunate enough to have a lovely conversation with Del on the phone last week and he was in good spirits. He was a great pilot and a terrific friend. Both Del and Margot will be missed. You have our deepest sympathy.
First helicopter ride when joining the National Guard. A great man, great pilot but most of all great friend. God speed Del and may the Lord take you flying or riding the Gold Wing with Margo.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Del’s years and years of military service to our nation and to veterans as a member of our Post. Del was a great mentor to us fellow pilots, crewmembers and all how knew him. Our condolences to his family, but what a great life he lived.