Earl "Speck" D. Hendrickson

Earl "Speck" Hendrickson passed away on March 23, 2026, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska, surrounded by family.

Speck was born August 3, 1942, in Auburn, Nebraska, the ninth of ten children born to Clarence and Alberta (Lotter) Hendrickson. Speck graduated from Hamburg High School in 1960. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (Semper Fi) and served in Vietnam until receiving an honorable discharge in 1967.

Speck worked for Missouri Beef Packers before later taking a position with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Speck advanced his career through multiple relocations during the 70's, 80's, and 90's, establishing residences in Sioux City, lowa; Schuyler, Nebraska; Olathe and Dodge City, Kansas; Chicago, Illinois; and finally Denver, Colorado. During his USDA career, Speck was awarded the USDA Distinguished Service Award in 1989. Speck later retired as Director of Field Operations in 1996, managing a team of more than 400.

After retirement, Speck returned to Hamburg, lowa, where he farmed in Fremont and Atchison Counties for 10 years and served in public office thereafter-including three terms as a Fremont County Supervisor-and served on multiple local boards, including the Hamburg City Council, with a goal of ensuring the longevity and enrichment of his hometown community.

When Speck wasn't working or spending time with family, Speck could often be found catfishing on the Missouri River with his brothers or walleye fishing in Canada, his favorite annual trip. Speck had a love for cars-especially red convertibles. Speck was a master at cards, known for countless games of pitch, and for always staying "in the green" at the poker table, along with betting on the ponies. Speck was a best friend to many and will be deeply missed.

Speck is survived by his wife, Beverly Hendrickson; his daughter, Stephania (Terry) Knight; his son, Brian (Carmine) Hendrickson; his stepson, Doug Weber; his grandchildren, Sean and Tierney; his step-grandchildren, Ethan, Sophie, Aricin, and Anna; his great step-grandchild, Stella; and his brothers, JR, Butch, and Denny.

Speck was preceded in death by his brothers, Dale and Ray, and his sisters, Lavonne, Esther, Gladys, and Clarice.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the United Trinity Church in Hamburg, IA. Military Honors will be conducted at Mt. Olive Cemetery, southeast of Hamburg.  

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wed. (3/25) at Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg, IA.

Memorials may be given to Hamburg Fire Department or the Fremont County Golf Course.

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