KARL JOSEPH HENDEL

Karl Joseph Hendel passed away Friday, September 6th at the age of 62. Karl was born on June 22, 1962, in Caledonia, MN, to George and Mary Jane (Huesmann) Hendel. He grew up on the family’s dairy, Hendel Farms, and was a true farm kid who loved all things farming, along with dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and cars as he grew older. Karl graduated from Caledonia High School and went on to receive a degree in Dairy Science from the University of Minnesota – Waseca. He then attended the University of Minnesota – St. Paul. In 1990, Karl and brother, Matt, began their partnership at Hendel Farms. Karl was proud to continue the legacy of their 4th generation family farm which began in 1869. As both brothers and working partners, Karl and Matt shared both mutual respect and admiration for each other. Together, they made progressive changes to the farm and focused on their dairy herd. They received numerous awards and recognition for their farm management practices, outstanding milk quality, and elite registered Brown Swiss and Holstein herd. However, Karl was never one who liked to be the focus of attention. He remained quietly behind the scenes doing what he loved best, tending to the farm and cows. Karl was a caring and loving brother, uncle, and friend. He was especially proud of his nieces and nephews. As they were growing up, he was a playful uncle who loved to take them on tractor rides, four wheeling or hunting. He shared his love of the farm with them and spent many hours with them in the milking parlor. Karl was always present for their life events. He thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings and after his house was built, he was pleased to host some of the family holidays. For more than twenty years, Karl hosted a Tuesday night gathering which he called the “Board Meeting” in the farm’s upstairs breakroom. It was a casual meeting of friends, co-workers, business partners or relatives, anyone was welcome to stop in. Karl enjoyed nature and the outdoors. His trips away from the farm were usually to go snowmobiling with friends. He especially liked sledding in the UP of Michigan. We will miss Karl’s quick wit and sense of humor followed by his distinct chuckle. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Greta. He is survived by his sister, Katy (Dewayne) and brother, Matt (Pam), brother in law, Don; nieces and nephews, Eric (Julia), Jessie, Devin, Hannah (Brandon), Lauren, Callan and Sydney, and great-nephew, Parker. Karl is also survived by the dedicated Hendel Farms team of people who he considered family. A Celebration of Life will be from 5 to 9 pm, Thursday, September 12, at the Four Seasons Community Center, Caledonia. A Memorial Service will be held at 7 pm. at the center.

KARL JOSEPH HENDEL

June 22, 1962 - September 6, 2024