Funeral Services have been set for Ivan “Red” Henning, formerly of Redwood Falls, who passed away at the age of 86 on Friday, March 8th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of Red’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 15th at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Redwood Falls, MN., with burial to follow at the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery in Wabasso. A visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring his legacy and sharing cherished memories. The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls and Morgan are in charge of the arrangements.
Ivan ‘Red’ Henning was born in Redwood Falls, MN, on March 14, 1937, to Ben and Loretta and spent his formative years on the family farm in nearby Wabasso. Red, as he was affectionately known to his friends, was distinguished by his wavy fire-red hair. On June 11th, 1960, Red married the love of his life, Deanne ‘Dee’ Gardner, with whom he shared a bond that lasted a lifetime. Together, they raised two children in Redwood Falls. Red dedicated 28 years of his life working for the city of Redwood Falls until his well-deserved retirement. Later in life, Red and Dee relocated to Waunakee, WI, where they joyously witnessed the growth of their beloved grandchildren. Red was a devoted lifelong Vikings fan. He loved gardening, stained glass, and woodworking. He created many works of art for family and, friends. He also enjoyed creating wood projects for the church Bible school. He was one of the longest-surviving multiple myeloma patients at UW Hospital.
Red is survived by his devoted wife Dee, his children Jim (Chris) and Jan Almquist, his grandchildren Jeremy (Kelsey), Matt, Nicholas, Jessica, and his great-granddaughter Morgan. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose memory will forever be cherished.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at UW Hospital, as well as the compassionate caregivers at Waunakee Senior Living, for their exceptional care and support. We would also like to thank Stephen Ministry at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for their weekly visits with Red. In honor of Red’s memory, memorial contributions can be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls, MN, or the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.
Red, your warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will continue to inspire us all. May you rest in eternal peace.
