Lester E. Henningson

Lester E. Henningson, 91, of Brainerd, passed away at his home with his wife and daughters by his side on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior and to stay for a lunch to follow. Interment will be held at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.

Les was born July 12, 1929, in Brainerd, the son of George and Helen (Wohl) Henningson. After graduating from Washington High School, Les began a career in telecommunications. He was drafted into the US Army and served his country honorably from 1951-1953. After his discharge, Les returned to work and spent many happy and satisfying years with Northwestern Bell Telephone where he made many lifetime friendships that he treasured. Les married Helen Rozum and they were blessed with four children. He had a passion for growing flowers, building things, golf, and flying, among many other hobbies. Les fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot in 1993. Les was the “go to” guy - always willing to lend a hand and was the epitome of a good neighbor. Les volunteered for many organizations in the area and was a member of First Lutheran Church in Brainerd and Elim Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. Les and Helen enjoyed many years of living in the Fargo-Moorhead area until building their home in Brainerd in 2000. Always the giver, Les had been lovingly and diligently caring for Helen the past few years of his life. He thoroughly enjoyed his life with her at their beloved home on “the Hill”.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen; children, Hugh Henningson of Bradenton, FL; Julie Schreifels (Troy) of Brainerd; Nancy Henningson (Mark Abendroth) of Brainerd; and grandchildren, William Henningson (Martina Hipperdinger) of San Diego, CA; Nate Henningson of Minneapolis; Serena Schreifels of St. Paul, and Evan Schreifels (currently deployed overseas). Les was preceded in death by his son, Paul and his brother, Bob.

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