Mary Bernice (Schnieder) Henkels, 88, of Worthington, MN died Monday, March 18, 2019. She was born April 21, 1930, in Lismore Township, the daughter of Theodore and Caroline (Hullerman). Mary grew up on the family farm near Heron Lake and graduated with honors from Heron Lake Public Schools. After graduation, she worked at First National Bank in Heron Lake.
Mary married Robert Henkels on May 5, 1951 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake. They started a family and she became a full time mom. Bob and Mary moved to Worthington in July of 1960. Later, she continued her education at the Worthington Jr. College. She then received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mankato State College. In the fall of 1967, Mary started teaching for Brewster School District. Over the years, she taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th grades.
Mary was an active member of St. Mary's Church; teaching CCD, Marriage Encounters and was a Eucharistic Minister for the homebound. Through St. Mary's, she made many lifelong friends. She was a member of the Elks and enjoyed socializing with friends. Mary and Bob enjoyed spending time with their card club for 35 years, playing golf, spending time during the winter in Lake Havasu, AZ, traveling, and family vacations in Aitkin, MN with their children and grandchildren.
Mary is survived by her five children: Lynn (Bill) Jermann, Maumee, OH, Wayne (Kristin Mills) Henkels, Santa Rosa, CA, Jan Henkels, Brooklyn Park, MN, Ken (Pat) Henkels, Worthington, MN and Mark (Kristi) Henkels, Brooklyn Center, MN. Grandchildren: Elisa, Jill, Michelle, Robert, Ted, Katie, Luke, Toby, Kelly, Sam, Derek, Beau, MacKenzie and Tyler, as well as 20 great-grandchildren. Sisters: Eunice Bauman, Chris Yetzer, LaVonne O'Connor, and Avis Page. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Bob, beloved granddaughter, Nikki McKenna, her parents, and brother, Jim Schnieder.
Mary leaves a legacy of faith, love, kindness, peace, acceptance, service and generosity. We hope that you honor her by letting these qualities shine in your own lives.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 25, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington, MN, with Father Jim Callahan officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Heron Lake, MN. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, MN and also one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.
Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.
Previous Events
Visitation
24
Mar
1225 Ryans Road
Worthington, MN 56187
Visitation
25
Mar
1215 7th Ave
Worthington, MN 56187
Service
25
Mar
1215 7th Ave
Worthington, MN 56187
Cemetery Details
Location
920th St
Heron Lake, MN 56137
