Elwood Henning, 77

Elwood Henning, 77, died Thursday, January 24, 2013 from complications due to leukemia.

Elwood was born March 1, 1935 in Alexandria, the son of Emil John and Nora Marie (Hanson) Henning. He attended school in Alexandria and Faribault.

Elwood lived in Minneapolis and at various times he worked at the Courage Center and the St. Paul Society for the Blind. He was also involved in various activities at Central Lutheran Church, where he met Beverly. They were married there in 1970. Elwood remained active in the Clothes Closet Ministry of Central Lutheran until he and Beverly moved back to Alexandria in 1987.

They became active members of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria where Elwood became the unofficial dishwasher for virtually all events and gatherings at the church. He also was a volunteer assistant to the custodians, spending many hours every week at the church and helping in a wide variety of ways. One of his “jobs” for many years, was taking pictures of all those involved in the Living Nativity.

Elwood could be seen walking throughout Alexandria with Beverly on his arm almost every day. Though legally blind from birth, Elwood was unafraid to walk or travel anywhere using his white cane. One of the highlights of his life was the trip he and Beverly took to the World’s Fair in Spokane. Washington. Traveling by train to get there, they took in everything they possibly could. Elwood also served the community as a member of the Board for the Blind Society of Alexandria for a number of years.

Elwood survived bouts with cancer, a broken hip, being hit by a car while in a crosswalk, and he bounced back from them all. When Beverly died in 1995 shortly after they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, it was a big blow and yet he kept on going. A move into Viking Towers put him back on the same land where he had grown up. He developed many friends and valued relationships in the course of the 16 years he lived up on the 10th floor.

More recently, he moved into Windmill Ponds where he enjoyed great care and wonderful fellowship. He enjoyed it so much that it was tough for him to make the move to Knute Nelson nursing home, where he could receive the needed good care and support in his last days.

He is survived by his nephew, Richard A. (Barbara) Henning of Williamsburg, VA; his grand-niece and grand–nephew, Jennifer and Allen Henning; sister-in-law, Judy Huss of Minneapolis; brother-in-law, Roger Freemo of Moorhead; as well as many cousins.

Elwood was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Allen; wife, Beverly, in 1995; and sister-in-law, Shirley Freemo.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 30 at First Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gregory Billberg officiating. Expressions of Thanksgiving were offered by the Rev. Nancy Larson. Interment was at Kinkead Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Jim Bjerkness, Karl Bloomquist, Kathy Franson, Dale Graff, Ralph Hornberger, Corky Krogstad, Marilyn Mesna and Garrett Visser. Honorary pallbearers were all current and former pastors and staff of First Lutheran Church.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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