After a short and sudden illness, Lamont “Monty” Hennen, age 75, peacefully slipped away from his family early Saturday morning, May 19, 2018, at his home in Prior Lake, MN.
A visitation honoring Monty will be held on Wednesday, May 23 from 3-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and on Thursday, May 24 from 9:30-10:45 am, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am, at Lydia Zion United Methodist Church 1026 East 205th Street SE, Jordan, MN. Pastor Larry Kasten will preside, with pall bearers being his grandsons. Monty will be laid to rest at Concord Hill Cemetery, Jordan. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in his memory by the family.
Lamont Edward was born on April 8, 1943 in Shakopee, MN. He was the fourth of six children born to Florentine and Margaret (Devine) Hennen. Monty was raised on the family farm south of Cynthia Lake, near Lydia, MN. Here, he and his siblings, Shirley, Marlin, Eugene, Michael and Jack, worked countless hours tending to the daily chores. Monty took his farm knowledge and participated in 4H. He attended the Jordan Public Schools and participated on the wrestling team during high school.
After graduating in 1961, Monty remained helping to run the family farm, until it was sold. He then focused more time expanding his trucking business. Monty would transport cattle to South St. Paul Stock Yards and reload with supplies being brought back to the Jordan area. After decades of hauling cattle, he switched gears and started hauling paper products for Gannett another 15 years. After so called ‘retirement’, Monty continued working. For many years, he transported students for the Anderson Bus Company. In recent years, Monty greeted customers with his big smile and warm personality, bagging groceries at Lunds and Byerlys in Prior Lake.
Although Monty’s career was fulfilling, it was his family that enriched his life the most. He married a local farm gal, Shirley Oldenburg on August 22, 1964, at Lydia Zion United Methodist Church. Monty and his family enjoyed the simple life. The Hennen family continued to work on their own hobby farm. Sunday evenings they enjoyed driving to town for a special treat at the Dairy Queen. Each Labor Day, the Hennen family also enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Minnesota State Fair. They had one big memorable excursion to Yellowstone National Park, despite all the car problems along the way. In later years, Monty was blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which he enjoyed immensely! Especially hiding all the Easter eggs and dressing up as ‘Monty Claus’!
Monty was always busy. He enjoyed volunteering at St Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center and was the longest member of the Fish Lake Sportsman Club. It was his love for baseball that brought him the greatest joy. For 20 years, Monty coached the St. Patrick Baseball Team. He could really connect with the young men and was a great mentor. After coaching, Monty continued his dedication with being involved in the St Patrick Athletic Association. He enjoyed traveling to visit his daughter Michelle and her family in Arizona and to watch baseball spring trainings. Monty also supported the Jordan athletics, watching the high school basketball games and cheering on the Jordan Brewers Baseball Team.
Monty will always be remembered for his giant smile, hardy laugh and welcoming personality. He loved being surrounded by people, listening to stories and catching up on their life. Monty had a generous big heart, always helping others in need.
Forever missed, Monty is loved and survived by his wife, Shirley; children Sheila (Jeff) Wagner, Michelle (Dave) Hoy, Marty (Terri) Hennen; grandchildren, Andrew Wagner, Christopher Wagner, Emily (Dylan) Kiker, Mallory Hennen, Matt Hennen, Justin Hoy, Garrett Hoy, Maxwell Hennen, Madison Hennen; great-grandchildren, Bentley Kiker, Tenley Kiker, Aubrie Hennen, Wesley Hennen; sister, Shirley Marek; brothers, Gene (Karen) Hennen, Mike (Cindy) Hennen, Jack Hennen; sister-in-law, Sheryl Hennen; other relatives and friends.
Monty was welcomed home in heaven by his infant great-grandson, Bryson Hennen; parents, Florentine and Margaret; an infant brother; brother, Marlin Hennen; and brother-in-law, Joe Marek.
The Hennen family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
