Dennis Henningsen

Dennis N. Henningsen, 76, of Clear Lake, passed this life on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014 at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

A Celebration of Denny’s life will be held on his 77th birthday, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mason City Country Club, 3331 19th St. SW, Mason City, where a time of reflection and sharing will be held at 5:30 p.m.   Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place.  Denny gave the gift of research through tissue donation to the Mayo Clinic.

Dennis Neary Henningsen was born Jan. 16, 1937 in Atlantic, Iowa, to Einer and Helen (Neary) Henningsen.  He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1955 and attended and graduated from the University of Iowa where he was a member of ROTC and the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

He was united in marriage to Linda Halsey on Feb. 23, 1973 at Reno, Nev.  To this union, he felt the greatest joy in the arrival of his two sons, Christian and Nicholas. 

Denny owned and operated Henningsen Construction in Mason City for 26 years.  He constructed many commercial and industrial buildings in North Iowa and Southern Minnesota. His interests changed and his passion for real estate and development led him to join Edwards-Brandt and Associates.  There he helped bring many of the businesses that are now on the West side of Mason City.  He also served on several boards around North Iowa.

Denny loved life.  In his younger years he thoroughly enjoyed racing cars, especially his Shelby Cobra, around the Midwest.  He always had an obsession with cars even though he had no mechanical skills.  He very much loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, skiing, and backpacking.  He was an avid Hawkeye fan and would either attend football games with his wife and sons, or watch it on TV with a black Lab at his feet.  

His life was centered on his family.  He looked forward to events that would bring them together, especially holidays.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife and boys, whether it was a couples’ trip to Hawaii or Paris or a boys’ only trip to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.  In retirement, he and Linda felt fortunate to spend some time in Florida during the winters. His time on Anna Maria Island included golf, walking on the beach and reading.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, Clear Lake; two sons, Chris (Jenny) Henningsen, Iowa City, and Nick (Beth) Henningsen, Clear Lake; granddaughters, Aubrey and Rilynn, Clear Lake; and several  nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Einer and Helen; a brother, Tom Henningsen; and sister in-law, Jody Henningsen.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.