John (Jack) P. Hennen, just two days shy of his 89th birthday, passed away peacefully at his home in Marshall on Saturday, May 3, surrounded by his loving family under the care of Prairie Home Hospice. In a touching coincidence, Jack’s father, Leo, passed away 53 years earlier—on the very same date. Services for Jack Hennen will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. A luncheon will follow the service, with burial taking place afterward at St. Eloi Catholic Cemetery in Ghent. Visitation will be held at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall on Thursday, May 8, from 4 – 7 p.m., with a rosary at 4 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. The Horvath Funeral Service in Marshall is handling the arrangements.
Jack was born May 5, 1936, near Ghent to Leo and Isabelle (Jennen) Hennen. He was baptized at St. Eloi and received the sacraments of Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation at St. Edward’s Church in Minneota. He attended elementary school at St. Eloi and St. Edward’s Schools before graduating from Minneota High School in 1954. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957 and served for two years, with chaplain duties being part of his service. On August 6, 1960, he married Teresa (Terry) DeLanghe at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. They made their home near Ghent for 45 years, raising their family. Jack took pride in the hard work of farming and passed that love on to their three sons. He served on various agriculture boards promoting their products: Pork Producers, MN Beef Council, MN Corn Processors, and was President of the Southwest Cattlemen. His faith was deeply embedded in his life, shown in his daily Mass attendance, devotion to the rosary, and over 50 years of serving as a lector. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus and Rotary. Jack cherished time with his family, whether working together or challenging them to a game of ping pong, cards, or Rolle Bolle – a favorite family game. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Jack and Terry moved to Marshall in 2005, where he was involved in the community. He visited residents in nursing and hospice homes, stayed fit at the YMCA, and never missed a chance to share a good joke—just ask his grandkids. He loved spending time at the Adult Community Center playing cards, visiting, and, of course, telling more jokes to a new audience. His favorite pastimes included watching his grandkids’ activities, playing games, traveling, camping, and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army—always with a smile, saying that due to his Parkinson’s, he was a “natural bell ringer.”
Jack is survived by Terry, his wife of nearly 65 years, and their six children: Pat (Sharon) Hennen, Cindy (Matt) Waller, Steve (Melissa) Hennen, Barb (Chad) Bense, Anita (Al) Longtin, and Andy (Emily) Hennen; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Rona Van Keulen and Kris (Curt) Teberg, and brother David (Diane) Hennen; sister-in-law Margaret Mitchell; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Isabelle, brothers Orville, Ralph, and Conrad, sister Judy Bot, brothers-in-law Vin Bot and Allan Van Keulen, sisters-in-law Elaine and Marge, and granddaughter Allison Longtin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Prairie Home Hospice, Holy Redeemer, or a charity of your choice. Our family sincerely thanks you for your support, prayers, meals, memories, and love during this time. In place of acknowledgement cards, a donation will be made to another of Jack’s favorite charities—the Salvation Army, where the funds will stay local.
