Melvin Henning

Melvin LeRoy Henning, the son of Elmer and Hannah (Sieck) Henning was born on July 30, 1933, on a farm near Crete, NE. He was baptized and confirmed in St. John's Lutheran Church in Kramer, NE. 'Mel' graduated from Crete High School in 1950. He served as a photographer in the U.S. Navy abroad the aircraft carrier, USS Philippine Sea CVA-47, and received a letter of accommodation for his service. After an honorable discharge he attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Mel earned a BS in Agriculture in 1954. Mel married Twila Schneider on May 11, 1958, in Lincoln, NE, and following their marriage the couple moved to Columbus, NE, where he worked for Behlen Manufacturing as Public Relations Manager. In 1965, the couple moved to Atlantic, IA, where Mel was the Manager of Advertising, Sales Promotion and Public Relations for Walnut Grove Products. In his role, Mel served as President and National Director of The National Agri-Marketing Association. He was extremely active in the Atlantic community serving as President of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, President of The Atlantic Golf and Country Club, Director of The Tournament of Champions and was involved in numerous other civic organizations. After 17 years in Atlantic, the couple moved to Northwest Iowa where Mel served as a Regional Manager for Walnut Grove, retiring after 29 years. He then sold farm real-estate. Mel was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, serving twice as President of the church council. He was a member of the Kiwanis Daybreakers and was the superintendent of the Floriculture department for the Clay County Fair for many years. He enjoyed fishing, golf, playing cards, Nebraska football and spending time with his grandchildren. He passed away on April 28, 2017, at the Spencer Hospital at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Twila of Spencer; two sons: Michael (Wendi) of West Des Moines, IA, and John David (Sabrina) of Kansas City, MO; 5 grandchildren: Curt, Grant, Eric, Taylor, and Brett; three sisters: Eunice Underwood (George) of Lincoln, NE, Marfae Wergin of Beatrice, NE and Verna Johnson of Crete, NE; and many friends.

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