James Melvin Hendrickson

James Melvin Hendrickson, 87, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at his home in Hartland. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation shall be held from 5-7 P.M. at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and for an hour prior to the service. Burial shall be held at Hartland Cemetery. Pastor Robert Lawson shall be officiating.

James “Jim” Hendrickson was born on October 26, 1938, in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Helmer and Nora (Grasdalen) Hendrickson. He grew up in the Hartland area, attending school there until graduating from the New Richland High School. He eventually joined the National Guard, before returning home to work as a farmer, then as a mechanic for Seneca Foods. He was often “Jimmy rigging” his tools, usually in very creative ways, so during his retirement party his coworkers gifted him with some uniquely adjusted tools to remember them by.

When Jim wasn’t farming, fixing equipment, or working for the canning company, he could often be found behind the counter at the Village Inn Café, known to many as “Mel’s Diner.” Together, James and Judy owned and operated the café for nearly 30 years, making it a familiar gathering place in the community.

Jim loved to keep busy and had many hobbies and interests with which to occupy his time. He loved helping others and was a member of the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church council, as well as their cemetery board, and the Farmers Union Action Committee. He enjoyed making maple syrup, fishing, watching the grandkids play sports, and watching Twins and Vikings games.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years Judy, children Dennis (Becky) Hendrickson of Hayfield, MN, Paul (Maria) Hendrickson of West Salem, WI, Ronda (Chad) Staloch of Hartland, MN; grandchildren Brooke (Mike) VanBuskirk, Cody (Katelyn) Hendrickson, Caitlyn Hendrickson (Matthew Schoonover), Aaron (Emily) Hendrickson, Benjamin (Bailey) Hendrickson, Cole (Lexi) Staloch, Nicklas (Cambria) Staloch, Seth Staloch (Rowan Flo); great-grandchildren Hayden VanBuskirk, Logan VanBuskirk, Blakelee VanBuskirk, Addilyn Hendrickson, Cooper Hendrickson, Ada Hendrickson, Theodore Hendrickson, Myra Hendrickson, Crew Staloch, and 2 more on the way. Jim is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Helmer and Nora Hendrickson; brothers Harland and Rodney Hendrickson; mother and father-in-law Herman and Helen Christopherson; and brother-in-law Robert Christopherson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hartland Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Croix Hospice.

The service was recorded and may be watched below or using the following link: https://youtu.be/LkwjZhdjmoU?si=U0AVvFT1NEPmGEQh