Earl Ellsworth Hendricksen

Colonel (Ret.) Earl Ellsworth Hendricksen, age 85, passed away at Parkview Health Center onJanuary 7, 2011, with his family by his side. Earl was born on 21 August 1925 to the late Carter and Emma (Anderson) Hendricksen of Denmark, WI, where he was known by the nickname Bait. Two weeks after his Denmark High School graduation in 1943 Earl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Pacific campaign during WWII, as part of the 4th Marine Division offensive on the island of Iwo Jima. At the end of WWII Earl attended Oshkosh State Teachers College (UWO) under the G.I. Bill, where he met his bride-to-be, Barbara Campbell.Married on June 9,1951, Earl and Barbsie were married for 57 years.Upon his graduation from college Earl received his Commission in the USMC, achieving the rankof Captain while he was stationed in California and Washington, D.C; In 1957 Earl transferredfrom the USMC to commissioned service in the U.S. Army: from Fort Riley, KS. He and hisfamily were stationed in Munich, Germany (1960 -63), and then returned to Watervliet arsenal,NY (1963-65) where he was a Professor of Military Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institutewhile earning his Masters Degree in Engineering. Following his 1st tour of duty in So. Korea asCommander of Long Lines Signal Battalion (1965 -66) Earl briefly attended Armed Forces StaffCollege in Norfolk, VA (1966), went on to Washington, D.C. (1967 - 69), and then to FortRitchie, MD as Deputy Commander of Telecommunication (1969 -70). His 2nd tour of duty toSo. Korea (1970 -73) was with his family. There he was the Assistant Chief of Staff UnitedNations Command U.S. Forces, Korea. During his proud and dedicated military career Earlearned many distinguished meritorious service medals and recognitions, In 1973, after more thantwo decades of active military service. Colonel Buzz and Barbs retired to Oshkosh,WI whereEarl established his own import business that he operated for over thirty years.Earl had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing, and he traveled extensively with his wife andfriends. In particular, he treasured his time at the farm, his tree farm getaway in Wautoma, WI.As a devoted veteran he was a longtime member of the Oshkosh Marine Corps League, AmericanLegion, Denmark VFW, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.Earls memory will be cherished by his son Carter (Jeanne) Hendricksen, Oshkosh, and theirdaughters Christina and Courtney (Warren) Wippert, Neenah, WI; his daughter Carla (Kent)Quillia, White River Junction, VT, and their children Garrett, Brett, and Lara. He also leaves hissister Jane Collins, Denmark, WI; brothers-in-law James (Jean) Campbell, Oshkosh, WI andSteven (Bonnie) Campbell, Cottage Grove, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who weredear to him. His beloved wife Barbs died in 2008.A memorial fund in Earls honor is being established to benefit military personnel and theirfamilies. As per his wishes, he has been cremated. Joint interment with Barbara is planned forJune 2011 at Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh. At that time a service with full military honorswill be held to celebrate Earls life and his devotion to family and country.We have given our final salute, and he is now free to soar with the Eagles. Rest in peace dearColonel, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, comrade, and friend.

Lake View Memorial Park



2786 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901