Michael Clarence Hennen age 57 of Prior Lake.
On June 8, 1954 in New Prague, MN, Clarence Frank and Suverna M. (Klehr) Hennen announced the birth of their son, Michael Clarence. Growing up on his grandparents and parents farm, he established his farming roots early in life, along with his 12 brothers and sisters. At the age of 17, Mike worked part-time at Knox Lumber and custom combining for neighbors. He graduated early from Prior Lake High School in 1972.
Enjoying the farming life, Mike bought some cows and started farming. He later pulled his brother, Paul, into the operation as they worked side by side, tending to the animals and working the fields. Expanding his horizons, Mike started working construction and later owned and operated Hennen Dirt Works.
In July of 1990, Mike’s world changed. Through some great friends, he met Crystal Freese. Their first date was to the Taste of Minnesota and they were engaged in October. On April 29, 1991, a day which contained all of Minnesota’s elements, Mike and Crystal were married on the farm. Their journey took them living and working side by side on the farm.
In 1997, Mike had a vision and special knack of buying and rebuilding a run-down cabin on Spring Lake. This home was his pride and joy. This was a house that Mike built in hopes of passing it down to his children. His family was the utmost importance to him, especially his nieces, nephews and beloved grandson, Derek.
In his spare time, Mike enjoyed watching and attending sports. The Minnesota Twins, Timberwolves and Vikings were his favorites. Mike’s eyes would light up as he would be cheering his son, Bart on the side lines.
Enjoying family and friends, he loved stopping at the local establishments and catching up. Every Sunday Mike had a routine of washing his vehicle and stopping by Marystown Bar to play cards.
A man of a wonderful sense of humor, Mike was a caring, loving and protecting, husband, father, papa and brother, who always was a motivator and teacher to everyone he met. A resident of Prior Lake and at the age of 57, Mike passed away unexpectedly the late evening of Friday, October 7, 2011 at his home.
Forever loved, Mike will be deeply missed by his wife, Crystal; children, Shawna Freese of Shakopee, Barton (Huldah Omesa) Hiltsley of Prior Lake; grandson, Derek Mink; siblings, Carol (Tom) Muelken of Shakopee, Rose (Paul) Krueger of Prior Lake, Alice (Bob) Busacker of Jordan, Dolores (Harlan) Poppler of East Union, Betty (Jerry) Meuffels of Bongards, Paul (Nellie) Hennen of Cologne, Theresa (Al) Hanson of Jordan, Daniel Hennen of Jordan, Al (Laura) Hennen of Belle Plaine, Ann (Pat) Schuneman of Arlington, Mary Hennen of Prior Lake; Godchildren, Lisa Muelken-Breeggemann, Anthony Hennen and Isabella Hennen; lots of nieces and nephews; relatives and friends. Mike is preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Suverna and sister, Barbara Hennen.
The visitation will be on Tuesday, October 11 from 3-8 p.m. at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the Mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, October 12 at 10:30 a.m.at Church of St. John – Assumption 26523 200th Street, Belle Plaine, MN. Father Samuel Perez will be officiating. Mike’s urn bearers will be his family.
The Hennen family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel
