Mark Rodney Henningsgaard

Mark Rodney Henningsgaard was taken from his loving family and friends on Friday, August 31st, 2012. He was born in Minneapolis on November 4th, 1950 to Rodney and Ardith (Ziebol) Henningsgaard. His adventures growing up on a farm as the eldest son helped define his values and character throughout his life. He graduated from Canby High School, studied at the U of Minnesota, and received a solar technologist certificate from Red Wing's Energy Center. Mark started his career as a carpenter in Oregon before moving to the greater Winona area in 1979 where he was captivated by the scenic beauty that shaped the remainder of his life. He danced and sang his way through a vibrant existence, touching those who were fortunate to call him their friend, father, grandfather, uncle, husband, brother, or son. His kindness, patience, and empathy were exemplary in his warm-hearted character, reminding those around him that the practice of compassion and love is intrinsic in leading a fulfilling life. The time he shared with his life partner, Susie, was a paragon of love for us all. His devotion and dedication to his three children is everlasting. His affinity for nature was prolific throughout his time and was weaved into his creations. With an inherent craftsmanship for carpentry and a discerning eye for the aesthetic world, he enhanced the beauty of homes throughout Winona. He turned the natural amenities of the Winona area into his playground by hiking through the bluffs or fishing in the backwaters. The life he lead was an example for us all to celebrate and take care of the world in which we are given.Mark is survived by his wife, Sue Jirsa; three children, Adam (Jessica) Henningsgaard of Santa Monica CA, Orion (Theresa Donnelly) Henningsgaard of Ethiopia, Ronni Hamilton (Bobby Hejny) of Hopkins MN; one grandchild, Addison; his mother, Ardith (Ziebol) Henningsgaard of Canby MN; siblings, Dale (Diane) of Snohomish WA, Robert (Julie) of Clear Lake MN, Jeffrey (Orachat) of Beijing China, Steven (Carla) of Canby MN, Kathleen (Thomas) Morris of Roseville MN, Mary Rittman of Denver CO, JoAnn (Philip) VanHollebake of Harsen Island MI, Alice (Perry) Gust of Osage MN, and Donna (Randy) Braun of St Cloud MN; and 27 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Rodney.The family would like to thank the friends, neighbors, Winona community, and Dr. Ashok Bharucha at Gundersen Lutheran for their support, companionship, and understanding over the previous few years of Mark's illness with Frontotemporal Degeneration-Behavioral Deviancy Type. There will be a gathering in Mark's honor at Kiwanis Pavilion at Prairie Island campground on Friday, September 7th from 12pm-8pm. Memorials may be directed to Winona's Habitat for Humanity Restore (www.winonarestore.org) and the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theAFTD.org). Please share a memory of Mark with his family, sign the online guestbook, and view his video tribute when it becomes available online at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/332154