William Francis Hennen

William "Bill" Francis Hennen passed away September 30th, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, in the company of his loving children.

Bill was a cherished son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend, and he will be deeply missed. His legacy is one of kindness, a gentle spirit and an enduring love for his family and friends.

Bill was born October 31st, 1948 in Morris, Minnesota to Harry and Rose (Murphy) Hennen. Bill was one of 7 children and grew up surrounded by extended family and community.

As a young child, Bill attended St. Mary's Catholic Primary School and later graduated from Morris Area High School in 1967. As a teenager, Bill worked alongside his father at the family owned DX station in town. From 1969-1971, Bill served as sergeant in the United States Army and was mainly stationed in Alaska throughout his time of service.

After his time in the military, Bill returned home and attended the University of Minnesota Morris, where he met his future wife, Darlene. They married in 1973 and raised their family of three children together in Hancock.

In 1979, Bill graduated from UMM with a BA in Philosophy and Sociology. He later went on to work at the University as a Building and Grounds Worker in Plant Services. He developed a multitude of friendships with students and staff during his career, while working primarily in the Humanities and Fine Arts building. Bill retired in 2012 after 26 years at UMM.

In his retirement, Bill thoroughly enjoyed his Grandfather years. He delighted in every stage of his grandsons' development and he beamed with pride as he witnessed each of them becoming fine young men.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents and siblings, Carole, Tony, and Dorothy.

Bill is survived by the mother of his children, Darlene Swank, son Ryan (Emily Power) Hennen, daughter Jennie (Andrew) Slater, of St. Paul, Dena (Max) Sutlin of Seattle, and his grandsons Grady, Robert, Simon, Jacob, and Ezra, as well as his sisters Patricia (Greg) Farstrup, Marcia (Roy Eder) Hennen, Sue (Jim Meyer) Hennen, sister-in-law, Phyllis Hennen and brother-in-laws Curt Barber, Bruce Christiansen and David Fluegel.

A celebration of Bill's 76 years of life will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at Oyate Hall, 600 E 7th St, Morris, MN 56267, from 2:00-5:00 pm. Ceremony at 3:00. Private inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://parksandtrails.org/support/donate/ in honor of Bill's connection to the natural world.