Joan Henning 01/12/2026

Joan Henning, age 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Joan Ovedia Hegstad was born in Slayton, MN on March 20th, 1939 along with her twin brother Joel, to her parents Olaf and Lillian.   They grew up together with her brothers Duane, Thomas, and Leon.   She was baptized and confirmed at Slayton Lutheran Church.  Joan, or Joni as she was more commonly known, graduated from Slayton High School in 1957.  She attended St. Olaf College in 1958, then transferred to Mankato State College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Library Science

Joni moved to the twin cities where she taught school in Bloomington. She attended Woodlake Lutheran Church in Richfield, where she met John Henning, the associate pastor.  John and Joni married on June 11, 1966.  After moving on to John’s next call in Sheboygan, WI, their family grew first with their son Mark, followed three years later by their second son Michael.

After moving to their next parish in Darlington, WI, Joni balanced family life with substitute teaching.  A fourth call brought the family to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Merrill, WI, where John, Joni and the boys would spend the next three decades.  Joni wore many hats in the life of Our Savior’s including mission sewing, teaching confirmation classes, directing the senior choir, and serving in leadership positions within Lutheran Woman’s organizations.  During this time, Joni always made time to support and encourage the academic, musical and athletic pursuits of her two boys.

When John retired from Our Savior’s John and Joni moved to River Falls, WI.  They joined Ezekiel Lutheran.  Together they joined the choir, and John accepted a part time position as visitation pastor.

They enjoyed gardening, attending musical and theatrical events in River Falls and the nearby twin cities.  They also enjoyed visits with their sons’ families. Always delighted by small creatures, Joni kept the local bird and squirrel populations well fed.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband John, her brothers Tom, Duane, Clifford and Donald.  She is survived by her brother Leon (Nugget), her twin brother Joel (Hegger); sons Mark and Michael, and her grandchildren Christopher (CJ) and Elliann.

A funeral service for Joni has been planned for Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:00AM at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S 2nd St) in River Falls, Wisconsin with visitation prior to the service starting at 9:30AM.  Joni’s service will be live streamed using the link below.  Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. 

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch Joni’s service live on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11AM.