Edna was born in Duluth, Minnesota on April 12, 1938, the sixth of nine children. Edna was raised in extreme poverty and spent considerable time in the foster care system. Her childhood experiences instilled in her a strong desire to be a homemaker and mother, and to provide a sense of permanence for children from backgrounds similar to hers.
While in high school, she met and fell in love with Elwood Wayne Hennings. They were married in 1955, and Elwood joined the Navy, where he served for 24 years. Edna followed and supported him as he saw duty at many bases around the United States and in Canada and Japan. She provided stability in the home and was a master packer and organizer. Edna also loved big projects and usually found a way to bless others, whether that was buying presents for every child in an orphanage in Japan or making and decorating sugar Easter Eggs for 200+ students at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Maryland.
Edna was well recognized as the “force behind the throne.” Despite not completing high school, she encouraged Elwood to pursue (and complete) his three college degrees. She spent many hours typing and editing his various papers.
Family and church were always central to Edna. She became a Christian at an early age and served the Lord mostly in the background (apart from her regular big projects). After she and Elwood raised their sons, Edna fulfilled her lifelong dream by adopting and raising two additional generations of children, providing a Christian environment for them.
Those who knew Edna, saw a woman of strong character who was committed to her faith and to living out her faith through acts of service. She loved doing things for others, was naturally drawn to support the underdog, and was a master at crossword puzzles.
Edna is survived by eleven children: Dean Hennings, Mark Hennings, Melissa Modeen, Michelle Hennings, Maria Holder, Amanda Watt, Jennifer Cormier, Annette Zamudio, Breanna Hennings, Anne Hennings, and Isaiah Hennings; and more than thirty grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Edna was preceded in death by Elwood, her husband of almost 62 years, her parents Elmer and Edith Hill, her eldest son, Wayne Gilbert Hennings, her four brothers: Eugene Hill, Elmer Hill, Melvin Niskala, Norman Niskala, and her four sisters: Ellen Hill, Esther Nelson, Eileen Hooten, and Eunice Bennett.
Initial arrangements under the direction of EI Cajon Mortuary & Cremation Service, El Cajon, California. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth, Minnesota. Final arrangements pending.
