Martin “Marty” Dennis Hendricks, aged 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Lake in the Hills, Illinois surrounded by family on October 6, 2024. Born on January 15, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late John “Bernard” and Agnes “Billie” Hendricks, nee Hayes. Martin was preceded in death by his brothers John “Jack” Hendricks and James “Jim” Hendricks, Sisters-in-Law Jan Hendricks and Kris Arnold, and nephew Jeffrey Arnold. He is survived by his beloved wife Susan Hendricks (Arnold), sister Mary “Sue” Hendricks, his children Martin Hendricks (Tricia), and Holly Wukowitch (Eric), and Grandchildren Madison, Owen, Kennedy, Keegan, Ashlinn and Dylan. Loving Uncle to John Hendricks (Shellie), Michael Hendricks (Marilyn), James Hendricks (Nanette), Jill Hunt (Shane), Sean Hendricks (Brooke), Joel Johnston (Samantha), Mark Arnold (Michelle), Pat Arnold (Colleen), Nicole Arnold and many Great Nieces and Nephews. Loving Brother-in-Law to Mark Arnold, Edward Arnold (April) and Nancy Arnold.
Marty grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago in a large bungalow in Portage Park. He was raised by his mother, Billie, after his father passed away unexpectedly when he was just twelve years old. His summers were spent in Sister Lakes, Michigan where he became lifelong friends with his Hayes and Owens’ cousins. He attended DePaul and Weber High Schools for a short time before transferring to Carl Schurz High School where he excelled in football and won the Chicago American Award for Prep Lineman.
Marty met his wife Susan at Schurz when he mistook her for one of his friends and pushed her headfirst into her locker. They met again at a party later that year and have been inseparable ever since. The two married on October 2, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois and moved several times with their young family until finally settling in Schaumburg, Illinois. Marty ran a pipe fitting shop at both F.E. Moran and Fire Control, owned his own business “Suburban Landscape and Design”, and later worked Roads and Grounds at William Rainey Harper College until his retirement. He was always a good sport when his wife found a new house she liked. They moved over ten times before finally ending up in Lake in the Hills.
Marty was a straight shooter and would always strive to do the “right thing”. You always knew where you stood, but if you stepped out of line, he also had a forgiving heart. He loved his Chicago Bears until the very end. He was scheduled to watch the game with his best friend Tommy on the day he passed. He loved to fish even though he never brought the ones he caught home with him. He loved the “oldies” and would torture his kids on their long car trips to Michigan or sitting out on the deck. He was an early riser and would always say that anyone who woke up after 6:00 AM was wasting the day. He loved summers at the cottage with his family, floating in the lake, having bonfires with smores, big steaks on the grill and hanging with the boys in the garage and sharing a scotch. He was a good listener and refrained from giving unsolicited advice. He loved a good prank and while he never got mad, watch out because he did get even. He started many indoor water fights, much to his wife’s dismay. He loved taking long car rides with his wife and just getting lost. He loved hosting the holidays, their famous Halloween parties, and football Sundays. Christmas with his family was his favorite time of year. He loved the magic of the season and loved being able to relive it with all his grandchildren. His favorite movie of all time was the original Miracle on 34th Street.
Family was what really defined Marty. He was our rock, our confidant, our sounding board and a source of unconditional love. He was there whenever anyone in our family needed him and looked out for his nieces and nephews as if they were his own. Marty enjoyed every moment possible with his six grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His biggest regret in leaving this earth, was not being able to see them all grow up. Most importantly, he loved his wife every single day
of his life. Their marriage was admired by everyone who knew them. Marty never missed a Birthday, Valentines Day or Anniversary. He called Susan “my bride” until his very last day and his final request was that his children take care of her. He was a great man who will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Visitation will be on Saturday, October 12 from 10 am until 1pm with a service at 12:30 pm all at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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I am Mike and Johnny Hendricks Aunt on the other side of the family. They often talked about Uncle Marty and it was evident how much they loved and admired Him? I am so sorry for your loss!
Sending our condolences to the Hendricks family. He was the heart and soul of the group and will certainly be missed. Rest in Peace Marty.
Marty, we will always miss you. You were the best brother in law, ever! Love you!
I never knew your dad Holly, but he sounds like a wonderful person that will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family, especially Ashlynn and Dylan who will never have the chance to fully know the greatness of your dad. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Marty will be missed forever. More than a friend; a brother. Sue - love to you and your entire family.
Marty, Tricia, Madison, and Owen. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers through this trying time. Love you always, Anna
Dearest Susan and family, My husband and I are so sorry for your great loss 😔 Praying for you all at this very sad and difficult time 🙏
Holly, we would like you to know that the Harrahs Joliet IGB family send you and your family condolences. Prayers to you all. It sounds like your father was a great man and truly believed in the real blessings of family. God Bless you all during this difficult time. Remember the lessons taught and the memories shared always.
Holly, your Hollywood Joliet IGB family sends you and your family our deepest sympathies as you celebrate the life of your father. We pray that your memories grant you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Holly, I'm sorry for your loss. You Dad sounded like a very down to earth person. Especially his love for his grandchildren. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and support during this time.
Holly, My deepest & heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family. May God Bless you all and bring you peace throughout such a difficult time.
Holly, I'm sorry for you and your family's loss. The tribute to your father was beautiful. He was a wonderful man, husband and father. May you all find solace and comfort in knowing his love for you will never end.
Holly - I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your Dad. What a wonderful tribute for a beautiful life lived! May God give you and your family comfort and peace.
Holly, My deepest condolences to you and your family. May his memory be a blessing to you and your family.
Sincere Condolences to Holly and your family. Continue to cherish the memories that you have with your father that will last a lifetime.
Holly and Eric, We were deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your father/father-in-law. My thoughts are with you and your family during this tough time. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Take care,
Deepest condolences to the family! Marty sounds like a great man, and I am sure he will be deeply missed. To Holly, Eric and family our prayers will be said for you, and entire family. Sandie and Mike Sharp
Holly, thinking of you with sympathy and hoping you find comfort in your special memories.
Holly, Michelle and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this time of loss.
Our sincere condolences to Susan and the entire family. We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marty, Tricia, Madison, and Owen. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers through this trying time. Love you always, Anna
So sorry to hear of Marty's passing. He was a great guy, a great friend, and the best lineman in the history of Schurz High School. My condolences to Sue and family
Our deepest sympathy , Sue and family. We had some great times, didn’t we?
Sue, We extend our deepest sympathy you and you family.
Marty was indeed an excellent football player and I was fortunate to play with him at Schurz. We were co-captains together and really enjoyed those days. Cathy and I extend our sympathies to the whole Hendricks family!
Great person great athlete. It was an honor to compete with him at Schurz May he rest in peace Steve Cerese class of 69 go Bulldogs.
Marty was indeed an excellent football player and I was fortunate to play with him at Schurz. We were co-captains together and really enjoyed those days. Cathy and I extend our sympathies to the whole Hendricks family!