Charles Ernest Henning

Charles Ernest Henning, 94, formerly of Peru was born on July 30,1924, the first of four sons, to John and Grace Henning on the Henning farm near Peru, Nebraska.   In 1942, he graduated from Peru Prep High School and went on to attend college at Peru State until enlisting in the United States Army in 1944.  Charles fought in World War II with the 106th Division on the front line during the Battle of the Bulge.   Because of injuries sustained during his time in battle, Charles received the Purple Heart and the bronze Service Star.  Upon being honorably discharged from the army, Charles returned home to the family farm at Peru, Nebraska where he received two years of on the job training through the University of Nebraska and the GI bill.  Soon after his return, he met the prettiest waitress at Earl’s Cafe, Jane Applegate, and they were married on May 27, 1946, in Hiawatha, Kansas.  Together they had 10 children and have resided on the family farm for the past 73 years.

Throughout his life, Charles was quite active in supporting his community and fellow veterans.  He served on the District 18 School Board, the Rural Water Board, was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and served two years as the State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans.  He was a proud member of American Ag and participated in the tractor-cades to Washington D.C.  Charles and Jane also volunteered at the VA Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska for 27 years.  Charles passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in Bellevue, Nebraska having reached the age of ninety-four years, seven months and twenty-two days.  He was preceded in death by his father, John Charles Henning, mother, Leona Grace (Groff), son Charles Gary, brother Leonard Eugene, and grandson Daniel Eugene Henning.  

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Roberta Jane Applegate Henning; sons: Bruce Henning of Phoenix, AZ; Alan (Charlotte) Henning of Wichita, KS; Fritz (Shawn) Henning of Wichita, KS; Larry (Cindy) Henning of Springfield, NE; John (Jody) Henning of Lincoln, NE; Eric (Elizabeth) Henning of Chicago, IL; daughters Judy (Robert) Peterson of Carter Lake, IA; Janice (Franklin) Smith of Lincoln, NE; Jodie (David) Ferguson of Driggs, ID; daughter-in-law Carol Henning of Cedar Rapids, IA; 23 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; brothers: Johnilee Henning of Beatrice, NE; Jerry (Barbara) Henning of St. Louis, MO; and a number of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019, at The Hall Funeral Chapel, 707 15th Street in Auburn, Nebraska with Pastor Bob Chitwood officiating.  A Graveside Committal Service will be at 2:00 p.m. at The Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska with full military honors conducted by the Nebraska Army Honor Guard and Omaha VFW Post #2503.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at The Hall Funeral Chapel in Auburn, Nebraska with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home, 12505 South 40th Street, Bellevue, Nebraska 68123.

Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net

Services are entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel- 707 15th ST. - Auburn, NE 68305 (402) 274-3131  

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