Michael Hendrie

Michael John Hendrie was born July 10, 1953, the son of Alistair James and Joyce (Hallam) Hendrie in Ilfracombe, Devon, Great Britain, and passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at his home in Casey, Iowa.

Mike attended primary school in Marwood and secondary school in Biddesford, completing his education in Chumleigh, Great Britain.

He entered the British Army at the age of 17 and was discharged with the status of Exemplary Service in 1974. He worked in general construction during his time in Great Britain.

Mike came to the United States as a long haul truck driver in 2003. He was introduced, through a mutual friend, to Mary Jean Rabenberg and the couple married September 4, 2004, at the 5 x 80 Country Club in Menlo, Iowa. The couple made their home on the farm outside Casey, Iowa.

Since their marriage he has been employed at Timber Pine Nursery in Earlham, Iowa, and most recently at Hazardous Waste Management Inc. in Clive, Iowa.

Mike was a friend of the United Methodist Church in Casey, serving on the Board of Trustees. He was also a member of the BKODJ Players in Casey.

He was a loving, loyal and compassionate man who loved his family and friends, the farm land, and his animals, especially his dog, Katie and his donkey, Doris. Mike was a home body and loved nothing more than working on projects like building the garage or perfecting the landscaping.

He was a fastidious person, his motto was do it right the first time. He owned several carpentry levels and believed in measuring seven times and cutting once.

Mike enjoyed sharing his musical talents, whether it was the sound of his beautiful baritone voice or the guitar, piano or harmonica that he played by ear.

He was a romantic at heart, never leaving for work without telling MJ that he loved her, sending her flowers for all their special occasions, keeping their tradition of kissing each other's wedding rings every Sunday.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jean "MJ" Hendrie of Casey, Iowa; his children, Staff Sergeant, Charlotte "Charlie" Elizabeth Hendrie of York, Great Britain, currently serving in Afghanistan, Sarah "Saz" Louise Duggan and her husband, Andrew of York, Great Britain, Greg A. Maurer of Des Moines, Iowa, Jeannine M. Maurer of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Julie Ann Carrington and her husband Wes of Pahrump, Nevada; his grandchildren, Rowan, and Casey Hendrie and Felix Duggan all of York, Great Britain, Jessica Kraft and her fiancé, Ian Rifenberick of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, Ashley Krohn and her husband, Ben of West Des Moines, Iowa, Matthew Maurer and Kaitlyn Carrington both of Pahrump, Nevada, and Amanda Maurer of Bradenton, Florida; his great-grandchildren, Mason and Jory Krohn of Wes Des Moines, Iowa, Talant Rifenberick and Aaliyah Robinson, his sister Diane Shapland (Chris), his bother Peter Hendrie (Linda) and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alistair and Joyce; his grandparents; and his granddaughter, Katriese Maurer.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 24, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Casey, Iowa. Lunch will be served in the fellowship hall following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Casey United Methodist Church or the Guthrie County Hospital Foundation.

Hockenberry Funeral Home in Casey is in charge of the arrangements.