Thelma Dora Henningsen
November 9, 1917 — February 2, 2015
Thelma Dora Henningsen
Thelma Dora Henningsen was born November 9, 1917 to Lewie J. Sievers and Dora M. (Matthies) Sievers on a Farm south of Walnut, Iowa. She was baptized at age nine on a farm west of Avoca and confirmed at age thirteen at the Walnut Lutheran Church by Rev. Kicker.
She attended country school, finishing the eighth grade. At age twelve, after her mother’s death, she took over the housekeeping and cooking for her father, two sisters and brother. She became a self-trained seamstress and cook.
Thelma and Herbert Henningsen were married March 10, 1937 by Rev. Kicker in his home in Council Bluffs, Iowa and lived on a farm south of Shelby. Their daughter Mary Ann was born January 18, 1938. They later purchased the farm west of Avoca from Herbert’s father John Henningsen.
She was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she volunteered at the fair stand, served on the Alter Guild and Ladies Aide. She was a hard working farm wife, cooking for hired men, dressing chickens, selling milk and eggs and doing chores. She also was a 4-H leader of the Pleasant Peppy Pals.
In 1974 they sold their farm, built a home and moved to Avoca. Thelma sewed for others, served on the Cancer Drive, was a care-giver and a member of The Garden Club. She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and loved creating floral designs.
She spent many happy times traveling, fishing, and enjoyed playing Bridge. Many happy years were spent with her daughter, grandsons and great-grandchildren.
After a prolonged illness, on December 20, 2011 she entered Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center where she continued to help others. It was there that she died on Monday February 2, 2015 having attained the age of ninety seven years, two months and twenty four days.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herbert Henningsen, brother Norman Sievers, sisters Edna Hansen and Myrna Paulsen.
Survivors include her daughter Mary Ann Johnson of Avoca, Iowa; grandsons Scott Johnson and his wife Donna of Omaha, Nebraska and Daniel Johnson and his wife Jacqueline of Lincoln, Nebraska; four great grandchildren; Alan and wife Elie Johnson, Nolan Johnson, Dana Johnson and Brock Johnson.
Grave side services will be held at a later date. Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Thelma Dora Henningsen was born November 9, 1917 to Lewie J. Sievers and Dora M. (Matthies) Sievers on a Farm south of Walnut, Iowa. She was baptized at age nine on a farm west of Avoca and confirmed at age thirteen at the Walnut Lutheran Church by Rev. Kicker.
She attended country school, finishing the eighth grade. At age twelve, after her mother’s death, she took over the housekeeping and cooking for her father, two sisters and brother. She became a self-trained seamstress and cook.
Thelma and Herbert Henningsen were married March 10, 1937 by Rev. Kicker in his home in Council Bluffs, Iowa and lived on a farm south of Shelby. Their daughter Mary Ann was born January 18, 1938. They later purchased the farm west of Avoca from Herbert’s father John Henningsen.
She was an active member of First Lutheran Church where she volunteered at the fair stand, served on the Alter Guild and Ladies Aide. She was a hard working farm wife, cooking for hired men, dressing chickens, selling milk and eggs and doing chores. She also was a 4-H leader of the Pleasant Peppy Pals.
In 1974 they sold their farm, built a home and moved to Avoca. Thelma sewed for others, served on the Cancer Drive, was a care-giver and a member of The Garden Club. She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and loved creating floral designs.
She spent many happy times traveling, fishing, and enjoyed playing Bridge. Many happy years were spent with her daughter, grandsons and great-grandchildren.
After a prolonged illness, on December 20, 2011 she entered Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center where she continued to help others. It was there that she died on Monday February 2, 2015 having attained the age of ninety seven years, two months and twenty four days.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herbert Henningsen, brother Norman Sievers, sisters Edna Hansen and Myrna Paulsen.
Survivors include her daughter Mary Ann Johnson of Avoca, Iowa; grandsons Scott Johnson and his wife Donna of Omaha, Nebraska and Daniel Johnson and his wife Jacqueline of Lincoln, Nebraska; four great grandchildren; Alan and wife Elie Johnson, Nolan Johnson, Dana Johnson and Brock Johnson.
Grave side services will be held at a later date. Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
PDF Printable Version
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