Keith Donald Henrikson

Dr. Keith D. Henrikson, age 87, of Bolivar, Missouri passed away on Tuesday morning, November 17, 2009 at his home. He was born May 19, 1922 in Miltonvale, Kansas to Augustus and Ada Logan Henrikson. He graduated from Concordia High School in 1938 and from Kansas State University in 1943 with a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine degree. He then enlisted and served as a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp during World War II. Upon returning home, he met Kelly Baird from Hunter, Kansas. They married on April 22, 1946 and moved to Bolivar in 1952, where they raised their family. He is survived by his wife, Kelly; his four children, Jan Henrikson of Lexington, MO., Gail Roberson and her husband Richard of Leawood, KS., Mary Susan Vollmer of Kingwood, TX., Jim Henrikson and his wife Margaret of Bellaire, TX.; six grandchildren, Dr. Jay Roberson, Danny Roberson, Katie Roberson, John Henrikson, Elizabeth Henrikson, Emily Henrikson; a sister, Ila Eppright of Versaille, Mo.; sister-in-laws, Ruth Henrikson of Emporia, KS., Eulala Herl and Margie Leathers of Topeka, KS.; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dr. Merle Henrikson, and his sister, Velma Henrikson. Dr. Henrikson, Doc as he was known to everyone, put thousands of miles on his pick-up truck during the many years of solo practice. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and served as President of the Southwest Missouri Veterinary Medical Association. He was a member of the Kansas State Alumni Association, the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, and in his younger years, a member of the Bolivar Rotary Club. During his career, he saw the community of Bolivar grow from 3500 in 1952 to over 9000. He was happy with his life, he loved his wife, Kelly, his children, and grandchildren, and they loved Papa Doc. He derived immense satisfaction from his profession, and thoroughly enjoyed his interaction with his clients, especially the farmers. He knew that many of them exemplified what is best in out society. He was an avid golfer and played as long as his health permitted. He was a man of intelligence, integrity, and had a lively sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Butler Funeral Home with Father Pat Wissman presiding. Musical selections will be Peace In The Valley, How Great Thou Art and Remember Me which will be sang by Frank and John Samek with Helen Stander playing the piano. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00am prior to service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, Missouri under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. Pallbearers will be Dr. Jay Roberson, Dr. Tom Eppright, Danny Roberson, John Henrikson, Frank Eppright, Steve Herl, Dr. Cary Herl and Charlie Leathers. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105 or to the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, 1405 W. Fairplay Street, Bolivar, MO. 65613 PDF Printable Version

Keith Donald Henrikson

May 19, 1922 - November 17, 2009