Dorothy Henning

Dorothy Henning, age 90 of Ossian, IA, passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Ossian Care Center in Ossian, IA.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Ossian Lutheran Church, 305 Jessie St., Ossian, IA, with Pastor David Lenth presiding. Burial will be in Salem UCC Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Ossian Lutheran Church on Saturday.

Dorothy Laurayne (Cooper) Henning, age 90, went to her eternal home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Dorothy was born on March 3, 1935, to Harmon and Marion Cooper in Monona, Iowa, being the oldest of nine children. She grew up in the Volney, Iowa, area.

Dorothy was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Salem United Church of Christ, rural Waukon. Dorothy attended country school and then attended Postville High School graduating with the class of 1952. She met the love of her life (high school sweetheart), Robert Henning, and they later married on January 22, 1953, prior to Robert leaving for active military duty. Upon his release from the military, they started their life together in Cedar Rapids, moving to Waukon and later moved to Ossian. Together they raised nine children. Dorothy began her career in Ossian starting at the Ossian State Bank in 1967 and serving the community for 43 years where she thoroughly enjoyed working with and greeting each and every customer.

She was a long-time and active member of the Ossian Lutheran Church participating in WELCA.  Dorothy’s life revolved around caring and nurturing her family.  She enjoyed growing flowers and canning vegetables she grew in her garden.  Other interests included quilting, sewing, crocheting, embroidery, cooking and baking. She was especially known for her angel food cakes and potato salad. Another strong trait that Dorothy possessed was her organizational skills compiling family history booklets for the Cooper and Henning families.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Robert, of 72 years, of Ossian, and children, Barb (Doug) Fairchild, Randy (Denise) Henning, Dan (Sharon) Henning, Jim (Diane) Henning, Diane (Robert) Martin, Karen (Dale) Bucheit, Karla (Ken) Buchheit, David (Sandra) Henning and Stacy, wife of the late Steven Henning. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 4 step-great-grandchildren and 3 step-great-great grandchildren; four siblings, Marlene Hartley, Vernon (Eilene) Cooper, Judy (Jerry) Sommer, Beverly (Tom) Leiran and sister-in-law, Inez Cooper and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Harmon and Marion Cooper, her son, Steven Henning, great grandson, Clayton Henning, brothers Virgil, Daryl, Marlin and Stanley Cooper and brother-in-law, Don Hartley.