Mary Henningsen (1885-1928)

HENNINGSEN

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/13/2008 at 21:30:33

MRS. HANS HENNINGSEN (1885-1928)
Hangs Self, Ill Health
Saturday morning this community was saddened on learning that Mrs. Hans Henningsen had committed suicide at her home southwest of Avoca, between 10:30 and 11 o’clock. The body was found hanging in the smoke house by her husband who had left her only a few minutes before apparently happy and feeling good.

The act was a sudden impulse, as she had seemed very cheerful and was busy about the home. Shortlly before Christmas the farm home was destroyed by fire while the family was in Avoca. Neighbors discovered the fire but were able to save only a few articles from the downstairs rooms. A small building was built to house the family until a new home could be built for which the plans were complete.

Mrs. Henningsen had been in poor health for some time, being extremely nervous and the loss of her home seemed almost too great for her to bear. She had taken great interest in the plans for the new home which was to start soon. Saturday morning she was occupied in assisting her husband in cleaning up the old site in preparation for the new house. Her husband left her alone while he hauled a load of debris away, being absent 20 or 30 minutes. On his return to the yard, Mr. Henningsen missed his wife and at once began to look for her and found her body hanging in the smoke house.

This act was indeed a great shock, not only to the family, but the community as well. The body was brought to the Blust Funeral home where it was kept until the funeral Tuesday afternoon at the Lutheran church.

Mrs. Henningsen was loved by her neighbors and associates for her many admirable qualities. Her home life was ideal and her loss will be keenly felt in many ways.

MRS. HANS HENNINGSEN

Mrs. Mary Thomsen Henningsen was born September 22, 1885 in Pleasant township, Pottawattamie county and died at her home Saturday morning, January 14, 1928, aged 42 years, 3 months, and 23 days. The funeral services were held at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Avoca, Tuesday afternoon, January 17 at 2 o’clock pm. Interment was made in the Avoca cemetery. Rev Kirtz officiating.
Mrs. Henningsen was the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Thomsen and was born and raised in this vicinity. On February 26, 1908, she was united in marriage to Hans J. Henningsen. To this union two children were born, one dying in infancy, the other a son, Wilbert, now 12 years old.

Mrs. Henningsen was a lover of home life, taking great pride in her family and home. She was especially fond of farm life. Two years ago, owing to theill health of her husband they moved to Avoca. Her own health was not very good, being extremely nervous, the family decided to return to the farm about a year ago. Since which time she had seemed much more contented.

Shortly before Christmas, during the absence of the family to town, their home burned with all contents. This was a great loss to her and she worried a great deal and death came suddenly last Saturday morning while she was left alone for a short time.

She leaves her husband and son; one brother, Hans J. Thomsen: Five sisters: Mrs. Annie Henningsen of Avoca, Mrs. Emma Frank of Irwin, Mrs. Lena Harder, Mrs. Bertha Minks and Miss Della Thomsen of Avoca.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald