Edwin Henne

Edwin Henne—a well-known Fargo-Moorhead businessman, and highly decorated World War II hero who carried the flame of American patriotism to several new generations—died shortly after midnight, Sunday, June 26, 2005 at his home in Moorhead, a week after celebrating his 90th birthday. Ed's death leaves a loving wife and large family with full hearts, cherished memories, and a stellar example of faith and love. Ed was born to David and Maria Henne in Garrison, North Dakota on June 20, 1915. While farming for his father and running his own gas and service station, Ed chose to join the Armed Forces and serve his country. He could have gotten a farming deferment to avoid the draft, "But Pearl Harbor made me mad, so I went in."He often recounted dozens of stories about vicious battles in the Pacific Theater, where his heroic actions as a sergeant won him two bronze stars and a purple heart. During reunions and through correspondence, his comrades admiringly recounted the deeds and antics of "Mother" Henne, a nickname they gave him during the war because "they said I took care of the men in my squad like a mother hen looks after her chicks."On his 88th birthday, Ed was honored at the Minnesota gathering of Veterans of Foreign Wars with a medal re-pinning ceremony. On his 89th birthday, the flag that flew over the White House was raised and flown in Ed's name and sent to him by Senator Norm Coleman R-Minn. He spoke at schools and media events to help later generations better understand the sacrifices and contributions that American veterans have made to our way of life.After returning from four years in service, Ed married Virginia Jean Kraemer of Minneapolis, and they established a commercial floor and cleaning service in that city. In 1959, they moved to Moorhead and—along with their seven children—offered customers warm hospitality and quality accommodations at the Belmont Motel. In 1968, Ed opened F-M's first Mr. Steak restaurant with business partners Sam Skaff Sr. and Henry Singer. He also owned several commercial properties. After Jean's death in 1993, Ed reunited with a "high-school sweetheart;" twice-widowed Mary Anderson of Valley City. During his 80th birthday celebration, Ed announced that he and Mary were marrying, and they spent the next ten years spreading their love at dances, church services, and family gatherings. In addition to his wife Mary of Moorhead, Ed is survived by two sisters: Martha the late John Bayer of Garrison and Hulda Bob Schultz of Minot; seven children, and three step children: Lawrence Henne of Moorhead; Ron Henne Marlene Husen of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Ken Cindy Henne of North St. Paul, Minnesota; Bonnie Doug Hansen of Fargo; Bob Julie Henne of Avon, Minnesota; Kate Henne Mitch Case of Moorhead; Tom Ann Henne of Moorhead; Mary Ann Jerry Gamarth of Baker, Montana; Colleen Dick Olson of Bismarck; Patricia Bill Hansen of Minneapolis; more than 20 grand- and great-grandchildren; and countless friends.Our family expresses thanks to those helping us celebrate his life during this service at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moorhead, Wednesday, June 29, 2005 service. We also extend deep gratitude to the staff and nurses of Hospice of the Red River Valley, whose skilled and compassionate service allowed us to be with Dad as he began his final journey to his home with the Lord.In addition, Ed will be featured on North Dakota Public Radio's "Dakota Datebook" program Thursday, June 30 FM 91.9 in Fargo and other stations throughout the state. The program will air at 8:35 a.m., 3:50 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Moorhead VFW Post 1223 Edwin Henne Color Guard Fund. The fund will be used to purchase new uniforms to honor veterans at future ceremonies.