Catherine P. Henning

Catherine P. Henning, beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, passed away at her loving daughter’s home on March 27, 2025.

Catherine was born on August 16, 1933 near Orfordville, WI to Paul V. Alexander and Catherine (Roach) Alexander. She married Wm. Carroll Henning on August 18, 1951. Her beloved husband, Carroll, predeceased her in July 2022 after 70 years of marriage. Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Jim and Bob; two sisters, Marie and Margie; two infant sons, Daniel and Jeffery; two infant grandsons, Andrew and Timothy Vermett; and one great-grandson, Lukas Parsek. She is survived by 11 children, Harold (Mary) Henning, Ralph (Susan) Henning, Catherine (Francis) Slobodnik, William (Theresa) Henning, Mary Henning, Judy Henning, Wayne Henning, Kevin Henning (Kim), Janice (Darrell) Pribble, Bridget (Vince) Vermett and Marcia (David) Moellring.

Catherine was a cherished grandmother to 53 grandchildren and 101 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Lillian Henning, and several nieces and nephews.

Catherine’s family was blessed by her love, care, hospitality, generosity, wisdom, humor and every other possible good characteristic and grace one could imagine. Her Catholic faith and her family were the foundation of her life and the source of her greatest joy. She was a farm wife and mother who always put her family above herself. She could be counted on for good advice and a touch of humor to go along with her advice.

Catherine had a lifelong passion for sewing, creating beautiful clothing for herself and others. She lovingly crafted wedding dresses worn by some of her daughters. Her talent and generosity extended to her grandchildren, for whom she frequently made, hemmed, altered, and customized clothing—including prom dresses, Christmas dresses and even outfits for their dolls.  

Catherine’s family will be forever grateful to her and will miss her as she has gone to be with Carroll in their heavenly home.

The visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Mon., March 31 at Saunders and McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL. The funeral mass will be at 10 AM Tues., April 1 at St. Joseph’s Catholic church, 206 E. Front St., Harvard, IL. Rev. Steven Clarke will officiate. The internment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harvard where Catherine was a member for more than 60 years or to CURE Childhood Cancer in Atlanta, GA.

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