Mary Hennings Obituary

Mary Lou Hennings, 84, of Clarksville and formerly of Waverly and rural Tripoli, passed away on Tuesday morning, March 22, 2022, at Waverly Health Center, in Waverly.

Mary was born on January 26, 1938, near Fredericksburg, the daughter of Evelyn C. (Roethler) and William F. Grahlman. She was baptized in May of 1938 and confirmed in February of 1954 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sumner. Mary attended country school and then Sumner High School. Following her graduation in 1956, she worked at the Sumner Packing Company. On March 9, 1958, Mary was united in marriage to Erwin Arthur Hennings at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sumner. Erwin was drafted into the U.S. Army, and in 1964 Mary Lou was able to join him at Fairbanks, Alaska. Following Erwin's discharge in 1962, the couple returned home and farmed with Erwin's father. In March of 1972, Erwin and Mary purchased the Hennings family farm and made it their home, becoming the fifth generation to own the farm. They retired in 1997. After 41 years of marriage, Erwin passed away in 1999. Mary moved to Waverly and later to the Clarksville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Mary was a faithful member of Peace United Church of Christ in Waverly. For enjoyment she liked to read, do word puzzles, send greeting cards to family and friends, and lead devotions at the nursing home. She also liked watching sports on television and going on many bus trips.

Mary Lou is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Wanda (Jose) Leisinger of Leigh High Acres, Florida, Mark (Wendy) Leisinger and Ruth Leisinger of Shell Rock, Paul (Mary) Leisinger of Waverly, Sara Witt of Zearing, Iowa. Also, from Arizona are Dick Hennings, Rick Hennings, Richard Hennings, Sandy Hauptman, and Lori Hennings. Survivors from Nevada include Donna Fox, Bill Grahlman and Brian Grahlman. Sandra Grahlman from Las Vegas, Nevada, is a surviving sister-in law. Mary was preceded in death by Erwin; her parents; brother, Donald Grahlman; four sisters, Melba Grahlam, Alvina Pearca and twin sisters in infancy; and nephew, Kevin Leisinger.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, at Peace United Church of Christ in Waverly with Pastor Craig Hancock officiating. Burial will follow in Faith United Church of Christ Cemetery, Tripoli. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice and online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family, 319-352-1187.

Published in the March 24, 2022, Waverly Democrat.