St. Nicholas
September 22,1932 – January 16, 2026
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in St. Nicholas, MN for Vernon James Hennen, age 93 who passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at Garden View Apartments, Watkins, MN. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. at the church.
Vernon was born September 22, 1932, in Elrosa, MN to Carl and Agatha (Kneip) Hennen. He married Alverna Schreiner June 20, 1953, in St. Nicholas Catholic Church, St. Nicholas, MN. The couple was blessed with 6 children and made their home across from the church in St. Nicholas.
Vernon worked at Franklin Manufacturing/Electrolux until retiring in 1996. He additionally operated a small welding and repair shop at his residence. Vernon was a very skilled craftsman. His passions were wide ranging from restoring antique tractors to woodworking and even cookie baking. He was a member of the St. Nicholas Men’s Society and active parishioner over his lifetime serving and assisting the parish in many different capacities. He was also a member of the Foresters, Catholic Aid Society, and Machinist and Aerospace Union.
Vernon loved visiting with his friends and neighbors in St. Nicholas and more recently with all the new friends he made while staying at Garden View this past year.
He is survived by his children, Sandy (Al) Mueller, Randy (Rosie), Russ, Barb (Ray) Stommes, Gina (Tom) Feldhege, Rick (Robyn); 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife Alverna; brothers Donald and Kenneth; grandson Oliver.
The family would like to thank the staff at Garden View and Hilltop, especially nurses Elley and Hannah. Special thanks also to granddaughter Carrie Draeger and CentraCare Hospice.
Arrangements are with the Wenner Funeral Home, Cold Spring, MN.
