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Cover photo for Donald A. Henn's Obituary

Donald A. Henn

May 9, 1938 — April 21, 2024

Plymouth

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Visitation

Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley

Friday, May 31, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

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Celebration of Life

Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley

Friday, May 31, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

View Details

Donald A. Henn

To view the Livestream for Donald, please click on the livestream link below:

Celebration of Life for Donald Henn

Blocked rooms available for May 30th and 31st “Henn Memorial”.

Comfort Inn - Comfort Inn - Henn Memorial

3000 Harbor Lane, Plymouth MN 55447

(763) 559-1222.

Donald Alvin Henn was born May 9, 1938, to August Henn and Mable Ziesemer in Osborn Township, Outagamie County, Wisconsin. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, uncle and friend.

He grew up on a farm tending to livestock and horses. From the stories we heard over the years, he also had time to play and break a few house rules. He talked of playing “Cowboys and Indians” with the local boys, getting into a few fights and swimming at the quarry, which was strictly forbidden.

Donald attended Seymour Union high school, class of 1956. While in high school, he represented the Seymour chapter of Future Farmers of America, winning first place in the district speaking contest, his talk was entitled, “Farm Surplus - Our Major Problem”. At the Northeastern Wisconsin Junior Livestock exposition he took the win for reserve baby beef championship and shorthorn class championship. At the Brown County Fairgrounds, he won the steer showmanship contest at the livestock show. While at home, in another F.F.A. project, four little lambs were born to one of his sheep.

After high school, he continued his education at Central State College, now known as University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. He majored in Economics, was a charter member of the Central State Economics and Business Association. He was on the Union board for two years before coming President. He played football and wrestled for two years, before starting his young family. Donald married Priscilla Wagner in 1958, who also attended Central State College. While finishing school and raising small children, he began to sell China plates and cookware, along with training other young salesmen. June 1961, his senior year, Donald played the part of Mr. Carol in “Time Out For Ginger”, he still has the football from the play.

Donald & Priscilla, High school sweethearts, joined Calvary in May 1965. They spent much of their time at Calvary, through their own involvement and the involvement of their children. They built lasting friendships and served in many ways.

In 1983, Donald‘s company New Era purchased the assets of Vollrath Cookware division in Clarksville, Tennessee. New Era Cookware, now known as Heritage Steel, continues to manufacture heavyweight stainless steel cookware. Utilizing his Economics degree, speech classes and the people pleasing persona of a salesman, Donald continued with his cookware endeavor while branching out to finance and other manufacturing. This path he chose has been rewarding, for himself and those with whom he came in contact.

He worked hard and put in long hours to ensure his relationships and business ventures were successful, which remained evident through his last days. His passion for business and love for family, the cabin, hunting, fishing and watching local sports were highlights of his lifetime. Lasting friendships have been made and cherished. He showed compassion to others throughout his life, leaving a lasting impression. With his passing, he has been reunited with the love of his life, Priscilla. Donald will forever be in our hearts. We love you and we will miss you.

Survived by children, Jeff (Teresa) Henn, Jodi (Gary) Wenger, Jill Henn Dornbier & Joleen (Marty) Thiede; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Sally Blom; in-laws, William (Mary Ellen) Wagner, Richard Wagner, Karen (Doug) Knox & Dale (Lynn) Wagner; nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Priscilla Henn; grandson, Jerrad Wenger; parents, Mable (née Ziesemer) & August Henn; sisters, Helen Beyer & Jean Murphy; brother, Harold Henn.

Celebration of Life 11:00 AM Friday, May 31, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley. Visitation one hour prior to service. Private Inurnment in the Calvary Lutheran Church Columbarium. Reception to follow service at the church. Please no flowers per family request.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorials can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley or a park bench with memorial plaque.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald A. Henn, please visit our flower store.

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