Bernadine Hennings, 103, of Lake Wilson, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in Pipestone, Minnesota.
Bernadine was born on February 22, 1923, to Michael and Antonia Zahorsky. She grew up in rural Lakefield, Minnesota and attended District 84 School through the eighth grade. Following the passing of her mother at a young age, Bernadine lovingly helped raise her younger siblings, a responsibility she carried with grace and devotion throughout her life.
She worked at the local hemp plant for a year and a half and later at the egg plant for five years. She wrote letters to the love of her life, Edward Hennings, while he served in World War II. Bernadine married Edward on November 21, 1946, following his service. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and farming. Their marriage was blessed with five children. The family lived on several farmsteads before settling on their farm near Lake Wilson in January 1962, where they made cherished memories. Bernadine faithfully recorded memories in diaries she kept from 1940 until her final days, filling volumes with the record of an ordinary life lived extraordinarily well.
Bernadine was a hardworking woman who dedicated herself to both her family and her community. When Edward passed away in 1977, Bernadine didn’t step back from the farm - she kept going, working alongside their son Richard for years to come. In addition to daily work on the farm, she enjoyed gardening and spending treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bernadine was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #285, Senior Citizens, Cameron Birthday Club, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She also volunteered at the Lake Wilson Clothing Center for 28 years. She loved playing Rummikub, bingo, and cards. She even played bingo the day before she passed away. You could always find her with a pencil in hand doing word search.
Above all, Bernadine will be remembered for her loving heart, quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family.
She is survived by her five children: Richard (Arlis) Hennings of Lake Wilson, Minnesota; Edna (Andy) Edmundson of Woodstock, Minnesota; Carol (Don) Chapman of Lake Wilson, Minnesota; Suzanne (Roger) Erstad of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; and Linda (Darwin) Gunnink of Woodstock, Minnesota; along with her 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Hennings; her parents, Michael and Antonia Zahorsky; her sisters, Mary (Rudy) Zahradnik; Margaret (Louie) Zahradnik; Ann (Stanley) Johanek; Agnes Zahorsky; Maxine (George) Schaffer; Cecilia (Bob) Domino; Loretta (Dean) Domino and one great-grandchild, Manolo Erstad.
A visitation was held prior to the service at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton, MN from 9:00-10:00AM on Monday, July 6, 2026, with the funeral service at 10:30AM. A burial service took place at the Hillside Cemetery in Lake Wilson, MN following the service.
