Bradie Hendrix

Detective Bradie A. “Mad Dog” Hendrix Jr., 78, of Yankton passed away July 3, 2023, in Yankton Avera Hospital, surrounded by his wife and good friend Pastor Dean Schroeder. He was born September 2, 1944, in Rockford IL, the son of Bradie A. and Mary E. (Pendergast) Hendrix.  Bradie married Bonita V. Stuen.  He was employed as a police officer by the Rockford Police Department for over 32 years.  Bradie was a member of the Martinus Lutheran Church. He loved reading, camping, exploring, collecting, photography, and shooting. He was a loving husband and father. 

Survivors include his wife, Bonita of Yankton; daughters, Nancy (Randy) Anderson and Mary (John) Klimczak; son, Bruce (Cindy) Hendrix; step-sons, John Lapour and David (Debbie) Lapour; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Hendrix; brother, David (Robin) Hendrix; many nieces and nephews. Bradie is predeceased by his parents; and step-son, Robert Lapour.

Bradie attended Rockford West High School and graduated 1962. In January 1964 he joined Rockford Police Department as a Police Cadet. After two years of intense schooling and on-the-job training he was sworn in as a City Police Officer. Even though he was still relatively new to the force, he was assigned to Special Security Duty for Mrs. Judi Ford also known as Miss America 1969. In February 1972 he was assigned to the Traffic Bureau and shortly after became the lead Accident Investigator. As an adult leader for the Police Officer’s Explorer Post, Bradie enjoyed teaching young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. He applied for the Youth Bureau in 1973 and in November he was promoted to Detective and transferred to the Youth Bureau. His reputation as “Officer Friendly” quickly circulated among all the schools. In 1978 he was requested to assist with Security Duty for Ruth Carter Stapleton and shortly after Security Duty for Martin Luther King Sr. during visits to various places in Rockford. His love for teaching and weapons safety was very evident when he received an award in August 1996 for dedicating 20 years with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, teaching Hunter Safety. After 32 years of faithful service to the city of Rockford “To Protect and to Serve,” Detective Bradie Hendrix retired on April 11th of 1996. He may have put the badge in a shoe box, but “Officer Friendly” was always there. Bradie and Bonita made their way around the country in their RV, leaving every campsite a better place, filled with joy and smiles.

The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at Yankton Avera Hospital and Hospice. Also, a very special thanks to Pastor Dean Schroeder for all of his support over the many years of friendship and spiritual healing.