Virginia Belle Henneman

VIRGINIA BELLE HENNEMAN Born December 28, 1914, Virginia Belle Clemens Henneman was the younger of two daughters born to Catherine Belle and Herman John Clemens. Her sister, Ruth and their parents preceded Virginia in death. Surviving are her son, Jerry and wife, Maureen; grandchildren, David Henneman and Katie Henneman; nieces, Faye King, Sally Baird, Donna Mae Stevens, and Sharon Padilla; nephews, Larry Henneman, David Hedrington; and as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews. As a child in the rural community of Amery, Wisconsin, Virginia loved going on calls with her father who was a veterinarian. Once in a while she was allowed to drive his horse drawn buggy and later a Model T as they traveled to the neighboring farms. Quite the adventurous youth, Virginia accepted the offer to drive the new Hupmobile belonging to her parents' friend, but a U-turn on Main Street and a water hydrant led to an embarrassing situation. When offered a ride in a bi-plane with a barnstormer pilot, she and her friend, Lorene accepted (without their mothers' knowledge). She had to admit to her adventure when she got home because the pilot had buzzed her house while Virginia's mother was outside. One night she started to swim across a sizeable lake with the same friend as they searched for the origin of big band music they heard coming from the other side. As they tread water, they laughed about the fact that if they drowned, at least there was beautiful music playing. Virginia not only enjoyed listening to beautiful music, she also enjoyed dancing to the big bands of the era when they visited Amery. Virginia completed one year of college before beginning work at Aetna Insurance Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. A talented musician, Virginia was offered the opportunity to study music at Julliard School of Music, but finances did not allow this to happen. That didn't dampen her love of music as she continued to play the piano and later the organ, which she played at Trinity Lutheran Church until in her 90's, sharing this privilege with the other talented organists of the congregation. Virginia married Roy Henneman on May 27, 1939, and they shared 64 years of marriage before Roy's passing in 2003. Roy and Virginia were so proud of their only son, Jerry. So much so that Roy went to work on the Alaskan Highway during World War II when Jerry was a toddler to provide a better life for his young family. This left Virginia to care for Jerry by herself until Roy returned. Virginia was Roy's right hand woman especially during his years as regional catalog manager at Montgomery Wards. Often his secretary would call near the end of a workday to inform Virginia that Roy would be bringing business associates home for dinner that night. Always prepared and always the gracious hostess, things went off without a hitch (as far as anyone could tell). They often held parties for friends, family, and co-workers and once hired a bus to safely transport their guests between Denver and Evergreen. Roy and Virginia would frequently reminisce and laugh with friends about the many stories and memories regarding parties they hosted and attended. They had lifelong friends from coast to coast, north to south. After Roy's retirement from Wards, they moved to Cortez where they bought the Arrow Motel and later the Mesa Verde Campground. Virginia was the bookkeeper and overseer to ensure everything went smoothly. In retirement, again making sure things went smoothly, while sitting on their patio, Virginia was asked by Roy to chase a skunk out of their backyard. Garden hose in hand, off she went spraying water behind the skunk in an effort to herd it out of the yard before it sprayed her. Roy sat back safely out of range, offering instruction and encouragement. Virginia dearly loved her two grandchildren, David and Katie, and was so very proud of them. Memories of playing cars on the floor, reading books in a secret place under the desk at Bamma's and Pop's, overnight visits, camping trips, and afternoons on the pontoon boat at McPhee will be treasured. She will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Although Virginia was 100 years of age, we thought we had more time with her. This little Energizer Bunny kept on through colon cancer, severe asthma, falls and broken bones, but we weren't ready to say goodbye yet and we will surely see her again. We thank you for being here this morning to celebrate Virginia's life, a full life well lived. In some way, she touched the lives of everyone here and you have touched hers. She was a wonderful lady and we will miss her very much.