A funeral service for Merlyn Hennings, officiated by Dr. Lynn Dau and Deacon Lynn Egesdahl, was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley, Iowa. Burial was at the West Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley, Iowa, featuring military graveside rites conducted by the Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288 of Hartley.
Merlyn George Hennings, one of three children of Rudy and Irene (Frick) Hennings, was born May 9, 1929, in Hartley, Iowa. He grew up on his parent’s farm near Moneta, doing what most country kids do – going to school, playing and helping with farm work at a rather young age…instilling in him a passion for agriculture. He received his education at Moneta High School.
From the fall of 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953, Merlyn served his country with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Following his release from the military, he returned home and resumed farming with his father.
On December 28, 1956, Merlyn was united in marriage to Anna Jean Moet in Sibley, IA. They began farming together near Hartley, IA, eventually adding three sons to their family: Larry, Loren and Lynn. Along with managing his farming operation, Merlyn had served as County Manager for Archer Oil Company based in Omaha, NE. He was also the leader of the Jolly Workers 4-H Club for several years, something he enjoyed doing while his boys were young. As a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Merlyn was instrumental on the building committee, had acted as Sunday School Superintendent and belonged to the men’s Brotherhood group. He was a proud member of the Arthur W. Kirchoff American Legion Post #288 in Hartley and had taken advantage of the opportunity to visit Washington D.C on an Honor Flight in 2016.
In November of 1983, Anna Jean passed away after a short illness; Merlyn stayed on the farm and kept doing what he did best and loved the most. With his positive attitude and friendly demeanor, he found companionship once more with Barbara J. Peters; they were married in Hartley on July 6, 1986, and called Merlyn’s farm “home” for the next ten years. With all three of his boys now successfully engaged in farming, Merlyn decided to retire. He and Barb relocated to the small community of Wahpeton, IA, near the shores of West Lake Okoboji, trading rolling waves of bean fields and tall corn for something you can throw your fishing line into…and he did! Both of them loved to travel and see new places, so several memorable trips were enjoyed together. Sadly, Barb passed away in August of 2021. Merlyn moved back to the town of Hartley to be closer to his family and familiar faces. Through mutual friends, he became acquainted with Ardith Evenson of Archer, IA; they grew very close to one another. He developed a special connection with Ardith’s family as well and always looked forward to spending time with them. They often worshipped together with friends at Grace Lutheran in Primghar, IA.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Merlyn also left this world, only to be joyously welcomed by loved ones who had gone before: his wife, Anna Jean Hennings; his parents, Rudy and Irene Hennings; parents-in-law, Walter and Dora Moet; his sister, Marlys (Garland) Hohbach; infant nephew, Craig Hohbach; and his second wife, Barbara Hennings.
He is survived by special friend, Ardith Evenson of Archer, IA; his sons, Larry (Becky) Hennings of Hartley, IA; Loren Hennings of Ocheyedan, IA; Lynn (Jodie) Hennings of Hartley, IA; grandchildren, Carrie Roede Paplow, Michael (Taylor) Roede, Jameson (Bailey) Hennings, Kyle (Heather) Hennings, Stacie (Brad) Groeneweg, and Amanda (Matt) Altman; great-grandchildren, Harlow and Tatum Hennings, Cael and Hayden Roede, Braelyn, Wrenley and Kolter Hennings, Annabelle and Brant Altman; stepchildren, Pam (Jay) Morreale, Amy (Tony) Volk, Joan (Erik Larson) Peters; stepgrandchildren, Nick and Bella Morreale, Claire, Dan and Elise Volk; his brother, Merwin (Teena) Hennings; other relatives and friends.
