A Mass of Christian Burial for Cyril B. “Sonny” Henning, age 84 of Adrian, was held Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at St Adrian Catholic Church with Monsignor Rick Colletti officiating. Burial was in the St Adrian Cemetery, Adrian, MN with full military honors provided by Lismore American Legion Post 636. Cyril “Sonny” died Saturday April 29, 2017 surrounded with the love of his wife and daughter at Palisades Manor in Garretson, SD from complications of polymyositis.
Sonny was born November 29, 1932 on the family farm in Larkin Township to Herman W. and Catherine (Bullerman) Henning. He graduated from St. Anthony Catholic High School, Lismore MN in 1950 and farmed with his father until being drafted into the United States Army in 1953. Following his basic training at Fort Lewis, WA he served as a clerk typist for the ship’s newspaper, “The Stars and Stripes.” Sonny was stationed in Japan where he attended Hirohito Naval Academy. He was then sent to Korea where he worked as a field wireman. He served the remainder of his tour in Hawaii before being discharged in 1955.
Sonny married Patricia Lewis on October 22, 1956 at St. Adrian Catholic Church. The couple moved to Jackson, where he worked as a technician for Minnesota Valley Breeders. In 1957 they returned to the family farm to begin his dairy operation, while also working part time at Nick Honermann’s grocery store. His son, Tim, later joined him in the business. Pat and Sonny moved into Adrian in 2005 and he continued to grain farm until his death.
Sonny will be remembered for sharing many treasured stories of his family history, his quick wit, affinity to his cell phone, and love of candy. He was an active member of his church where he served as lector, usher, catechist and chairman of the Renovation Committee. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, and Schaap-Galagan Post 636 American Legion, Lismore. Sonny was a past board member of the Adrian Coop Elevator and 5 Star Fertilizer, serving as secretary of both. He enjoyed wintering in Mesa, AZ.
Sonny is survived by his wife Pat of 60 years, his daughter Peggy (Chuck) Klos, Menomonie, WI; daughter-in-law Bridget Henning, Adrian; six grandchildren, Stacy (Jeff) Vortherms, Matt (Rachell) Henning, Lee (Shanelle) Henning, Chelsea (Aaron) Eernisse, Ciara (Andrew) Miller, & Chantel Klos; granddaughter-in-law Amanda Henning; 15 great grandchildren, Erika, Ethan, Ellie, Evan, Kenna, Isi, Wyatt, Taryn, Brynn, Reese, Cooper, Remme, Paige, Davis & Vaeda; sister-in-law Marge Henning, brother-in-law Vic McCann and many special nieces and nephews. He treasured each of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Tim in 2011 and grandson Nick in 2017; three brothers; Ervin, Clarence, & Ted and three sisters; Irene Erpelding, Vernie McCann & Delores Ashby .
A Memorial Foundation will be established for St. Adrian Catholic Church.
Dingmann Funeral Home, Adrian is serving the family.
To view an online obituar, please visit dingmannandsons.com
