Kurt Lewis Hendrickson

Kurt Lewis Hendrickson, 61, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away unexpectedly in his home on September 18. Kurt was born January 30, 1963, in Medina, OH, to parents Janet (Crooks) and Robert Hendrickson, a little brother to sisters Lisa and Jody. Kurt spent his young life in Ohio—attending Medina High School and then Miami University of Ohio, where he achieved his bachelor of science in accounting. At Miami, Kurt reveled in the college scene and developed many dear, lifelong friendships. After graduating from Miami, Kurt started his career in Newton, MA, before eventually relocating to Lawrenceville, GA, when he married his high school sweetheart, Wendy Wardell, in 1988. With a mind for technology and numbers, Kurt enjoyed a lengthy career in computer software support throughout the Atlanta area. And every April, he was the one that family and friends turned to for assistance with tax returns. In 1990, Kurt became a father to the true love of his life, Ryan Christopher Hendrickson. Though his marriage to Wendy ultimately ended, Wendy and Kurt maintained a strong, mutually supportive friendship for the rest of his life. Their friends and families admired and appreciated their enduring care for each other and especially the way they always did their best to provide a loving, respectful environment for their son. Ryan was truly Kurt’s pride and joy. Kurt was a constant presence at all of Ryan’s activities and sporting events as he grew up, and he really loved cheering Ryan on at Chattahoochee Lacrosse games. When Ryan went to college at Auburn University, Kurt became a big Tigers football fan, and no autumn afternoon ever passed without enthusiastic shouts (or texts) of “War Eagle!” Despite graduating from Miami of Ohio and having a son at Auburn, Kurt was also an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Sometimes football Saturdays meant jumping back and forth between Auburn and Ohio State games on TV. In 2018, Kurt was blessed with a further addition to his family when Ryan married his long-time girlfriend, Hanna Ballantyne. Together, Ryan and Hanna gave Kurt the gift of becoming a grandfather in 2022 when Hanna gave birth to their son, Graham. A New England guy at heart, Kurt loved visiting his parents and sister Lisa on Cape Cod and especially enjoyed spending time at the beach. He relished the bounty of seafood that New England has to offer—particularly lobster and clam chowder. He learned to cook his family’s “secret recipe” for clam chowder and eventually perfected it. For years, Kurt hosted an annual Christmas Eve gathering, where his friends and family eagerly anticipated indulging in huge pots of “the chowda”! More than anything, Kurt’s friends and family will remember his keen wit, great sense of humor, and truly unique gift for storytelling. He could make anyone laugh endlessly with his animated anecdotes and hilarious impressions. Whether it be his tone of voice or facial expressions or utter commitment to capturing a memory, Kurt was one of a kind---always entertaining and the epitome of “the life of the party.” He was preceded in death by his father, Robert, of West Dennis, MA. He leaves behind his beloved son, Ryan, along with Hanna and Graham; his adoring mother, Jan; and devoted sister, Lisa Hendrickson (Hilary Sandler), as well as sister Jody Hirschfeld (Steve) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kurt was a well-loved man who will be missed by his family and the many friends he made and held over the years, from high school, college, and all his years living in the Atlanta area. A funeral service will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, October 12, at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 7171 Glenridge Dr., Atlanta, GA 30328. Immediately following the service, a luncheon reception will be held at Horseshoe Bend Country Club, 2100 Steeplechase Lane, Roswell, GA 30076. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kurt’s name to No Longer Bound—The Daniel Jenkins Scholarship Fund, a cause very close to Kurt’s heart. Donations may be sent to No Longer Bound, 2725 Pine Grove Rd., Cumming, GA 30041 or made online at nolongerbound.com.

Kurt Lewis Hendrickson

January 30, 1963 - September 18, 2024