Bernard Hennessy

Bernard Hennessy, 95, of Lewiston, died on April 2, 2025. Born on July 19, 1929, in Winona, Minnesota, Bernard was the son of Bernard Sr. and Anna (Axness) Hennessy. He grew up on a farm in Hart Township, Minnesota, where he cultivated a love for family, faith, community, and the great outdoors. On the same farm his great-grandfather, Patrick Hennessy homesteaded in 1856 and is still in the family today.

Bernard graduated from Cotter High School in Winona in 1948, and his practical spirit took to the roads as he drove Winona milk company truck for many years as well as selling monuments with the Lewiston Monument Company. In 1950, he married his first love, Rose Monahan, with whom he welcomed ten children. Their life together was tragically cut short when Rose passed away in a car accident in 1972.

Bernard continued his career in sales with the Lewiston Monument Company and also obtained his certification to sell insurance and enjoyed a successful career with State Farm, where he also had the proud honor of sponsoring a state champion softball team.

In 1974, Bernard married Beverly Kulas, embracing a new chapter and welcoming a step-son into his family. After losing Beverly to cancer in 1991, Bernard continued to embrace life fully, earning his pilot's license and finding joy in flying planes. In 1992, he married Mary Kennedy, and she introduced him to a new interest of dancing.

Bernard loved spending time on the family farm, deer hunting, riding motorcycles, woodworking, gardening, and attending tractor pulls and car shows. Bernard's collection of tractors was a testament to the joy he found in these pastimes.

A longstanding member of the Lewiston Lions Club for over 50 years and the Lewiston Sportsmen Club, Bernard was known for his generous spirit and commitment to his community. He was awarded for his dedication as a gun safety instructor, further enriching the lives of those around him.

Bernard is survived by his step-son, Michael Kulas (Wende); children, Patrick (Tracy Dougherty) Hennessy, Kathleen (Bob) Hennessy Rehbein, Michael (Karen) Hennessy, Brian Hennessy, Anne Hennessy, Maureen (Wayne) Schauble, Jim Hennessy, Shannon Hennessy; step-children, John (Peggy) Kennedy, Bernie (Karla) Kennedy, Patricia (Richard) Stark, Jim Kennedy, Maureen (Mike) Hurley; siblings, T.R. "Bob" (Mitzie) Hennessy, Jerry (Noreen) Hennessy, Audrey Gilbert; and over 100 grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his three wives; daughter, Sharon Chavez; son, Joseph Hennessy; brother, Michael Hennessy; daughter-in-law, Cindy Hennessy; Brother-in-law, Joe Gilbert; and grandson, Justin Kukowski.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 11, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, MN from 4pm to 7pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 11am, with visitation beginning at 10am.

Burial will take place at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in rural Lewiston.

Funeral services will be livestreamed. To watch remotely, please follow the link below.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0MzcxODAxNjM1NzA1OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==