Ivanelle Christine Else Henning, Elkader, Iowa, July 12, 2022

Ivanelle Christine Else Henning, 89, of Elkader, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Elkader Care Center.

She was born September 10, 1932, on the Hoth Family farm, rural Elkader, to Edwin and Viola (Schlitzer) Hoth. She was baptized on November 6, 1932 and confirmed on March 25, 1945 at Zion Lutheran Church in Clayton Center.

Ivanelle was united in marriage to Donald Henning at Zion Lutheran Church in Clayton Center on November 27, 1950. Four children were born to this union, Ron Henning of Louisiana, Kathy Ann North of Evansdale, Randy Henning of Elkader and Richard (Korynn Williams) Henning of Cedar Rapids; ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; sister LuNida Landt of Elkader and sister-in-law, Ivanelle Hoth of Elkader.

Ivanelle enjoyed country life living on the farm during her childhood and she and Donald raised their children on farms in rural Clayton County. They later moved to the town of Elkader prior to his passing in 1983. Following Donald’s death, she moved to a small house out in the country. Ivanelle worked in the kitchen at Central Community Hospital and later at the Volga City Opera House. She later met Donald Gerleman and moved to rural Decorah, where she worked at Ma’s Diner in Decorah.

In Ivanelle’s younger years she loved to dance (especially polka), card club, high heels and cooking for her family. At family gatherings everyone’s favorite foods were present–complete with a full dining room table of snacks (plus extras for everyone to take home) and a full home cooked meal to follow.   She also enjoyed bowling, good neighbors club, embroidering, crocheting and socializing. In her later years, she still enjoyed dancing, cooking, tending to her flowers and animals, and sitting outside at the end of the day with a glass of peach schnapps.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1983; special friend, Donald Gerleman, son-in-law, Ernie North; daughter-in-law, Sherry Henning and siblings, Harry, Harold, Duane and John.

 

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, July 22, 2022, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader

Visitation: 4 – 7 PM Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader and 1 hour before the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Inurnment: To Be Held at a later date – Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery, Farmersburg, IA

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkader is assisting the family



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