Ilene Severson Henning, 83, of Hiawatha, died January 27, 2015, at Vintage Park Assisted Living, Hiawatha, Kansas, surrounded by her loved ones.

Ilene Emma Severson was born the oldest of three children to Albert and Velma Fiechter Severson, August 1, 1931, at S. Joseph, Missouri.  She attended Diamond Grade School prior to graduating with the class of 1949 at Robinson High School.  In her early years, Ilene enjoyed working on her parent’s farm near Leona, helping tend her mother Velma’s flowers and garden, and helping her father Albert with the farm work and livestock.  In later years, after her children Linda, Bruce, and Ronald were born and growing up, she continued farming and spent many years helping with the milking of cows on a Grade A Dairy.  For a time, she worked for Bruning Tire and drove a bus for USD #415, of Hiawatha.

Ilene’s faith and serving her Lord were very important to her all of her life.  She was a member of Upper Wolf Lutheran Church of Robinson.  Upon moving to Hiawatha from the Robinson community in 1972, she later joined the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha, where she was a member of the UMW, served as communion steward for many years, and had helped with the many dinners.  She enjoyed Bible Study groups, coffee and lunch with the girls, and was a frequent visitor to many home-bound and nursing home friends.  

Carl Henning and Ilene were married September 10, 2001.  Together, they enjoyed traveling, flowers, gardening, yard work, and visiting friends.  They also enjoyed volunteering at the Brown County Historical Society and were always there to help someone in need.  She gave a lot of herself to friends and family and left a legacy of serving others and having a heart for people.  She has also been the spiritual leader of the family, and always encouraged a prayerful attitude and outreach.

Survivors include her husband Carl of the home; Ilene’s daughter Linda Proffit of Savannah, MO, sons:  Bruce VanEpps of Hiawatha, Ronald (Cindy) VanEpps of Hays, KS; daughters:  Beth (Rich) Akins, and Stacy (Jeff) Winter; her brother Ivan (Betty) Severson of Shepherdstown, WV; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother in infancy.

A Celebration of Ilene’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 30, at the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha.  Reverend Jean Marie Grabher, assisted by Reverend Annette Minderman, will officiate.  Burial will follow at Upper Wolf Cemetery, southeast of Robinson.  

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Thursday.  The family will meet with friends from 6 till 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church, Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, or the Brown County Historical Society which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.  

A special message may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com