General Information
Full Name: Arlene Hennen
Date of Birth: April 21, 1932
Date of Death: October 9, 2012
Arlene’s life story
Arlene K. Hennen
Albert M. and Alvina E. (Geis) Stang proudly announced the birth of their daughter, Arlene Kathryn on Thursday, April 21, 1932, born on the family farm in Marystown, MN. The oldest of four children, Arlene’s childhood years were spent attending grade school at Marystown Catholic School and she graduated from Shakopee High School.
On Saturday, February 3, 1951 at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church in Marystown, MN, Arlene married Willard M. Hennen. They were blessed with seven wonderful children, Lee, Duane, Marilyn, Victoria, Dennis, Roger and Geralyn. For over 34 years, Arlene and Willard ran the family farm just outside of Jordan. An entrepreneur of her time, she had a network of customers throughout the county selling fresh eggs and chickens. In 1984, they moved to the city of Jordan.
An excellent cook and baker, Arlene made everything from scratch and created many of her own recipes, along the way. She was best known for her cookies, caramel rolls and breads. But Sunday afternoons and holidays, meant special gatherings with her children and grandchildren around the table, as they enjoyed a special meal prepared by her. Never arriving empty handed at your door, Arlene always had something specially made just for you. Most of Arlene’s career was spent working for over 23 years in the Jordan High School cafeteria. Never missing day, she enjoyed cooking for the school kids.
A talented woman with her hands, Arlene crocheted immeasurable prayer shawls and made baby afghans for each grandchild. She even created unique dollies, using family’s last names and painted many ceramic pieces too. Spending countless hours in her flower and vegetable garden, she then would can the fruits of her labor. In her free time, Arlene enjoyed playing cards with her good friends.
An active member of the Jordan community, Arlene was involved in the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, the Red Hatters, along with volunteering at other community events. A woman of deep faith, her church was like a second home to her. She was a member of the Catholic Aid Association and the Christian Mothers Society.
The biggest passions in Arlene’s life were her husband, children and grandchildren. She was the backbone of the family, treating everyone fairly and was intimately involved with each member in an extraordinary way. A generous, compassionate and hardworking woman, Arlene was 80 years young when she passed away peacefully surrounded by great love of her family the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home.
Deeply missed by many, Arlene will be forever loved by her husband of 61 years, Willard; children, Lee (Jonelle) Hennen of Shakopee, Duane Hennen of Jordan, Marilyn (Tom) Bye of Edina, Victoria (Terry) Blackford of Woodbury, Dennis (Margaret) Hennen of Jordan, Roger Hennen of Shakopee, Geralyn Hennen Mornson of Victoria; grandchildren, Dan (Macenzie) Hennen, Jenna Hennen, Cindy (Dustin) Steinhoff, Julia (Evan Kusler) Hennen , Anne, Colleen and Mark Bye, Mandy Krohn, Chrissy (Jeff) Lucas, Laura and Lindsey Hennen, Tanner and Nate Hennen, Kelsey (Joe) Herrgott, Alexandra and Hannah Mornson; great-grandchildren, Kate, Kylie and Carson Steinhoff, Leah Lucas; sister, Corrine Hadac of Prior Lake; brother, Albert (Joan) Stang of Shakopee; many other loving relatives and friends.
Arlene is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry Stang and brother-in-law, Ron Hadac. Pallbearers will be her seven children.
The visitation will be on Friday, October 12 from 3-8 p.m., at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 104 West First Street, Jordan and one and one half hours prior to the mass at church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, October 13 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 215 Broadway Street North, Jordan, MN. Father Timothy Yanta will officiate. Arlene will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Arlene’s memory by the family.
The Hennen family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Jordan Chapel.
Visitation
When: Friday, October 12, 2012 3-8 PM and also 1 1/2 hrs prior the mass at church
Location: Ballard Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 104 First Street West
Jordan, Minnesota
Service Information
When: Saturday, October 13, 2012 11 AM
Location: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Address: 215 N Broadway
Jordan, MN
Interment Information
Location: Calvary Cemetery
Address: Jordan, Minnesota
