Verna June Henning, age 101, of Walcott, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Wheatland Manor. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 25, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. A visitation was held from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial took place in Walcott Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Walcott Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Verna was born on Feb. 17, 1925, the daughter of Timm and Alma (Jasper) Sothmann in Davenport. She graduated from Davenport Central High School. Verna married Ernest F. Henning on Aug. 12, 1944, in Davenport. He preceded her in death on Nov. 4, 1995.
Verna began her working years at the Rock Island Arsenal, and also served as a rural schoolteacher in Dixon, where she touched the lives of many young students. After her marriage, Verna embraced life as a devoted farm wife, supporting her family and tending to the many daily tasks of farm life. For 58 years, she faithfully worked as an Avon representative, forming countless friendships along the way. She also dedicated 45 years to working the election polls in Walcott, helping her community exercise their right to vote.
In her retirement years, Verna continued to greet others with warmth and kindness as a greeter at Bentley Funeral Home, where her familiar smile welcomed many families during their time of need. Verna was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and rarely missed the chance to cheer them on. She was a wonderful cook and baker, famously known for her delicious “Verna’s Buns.” Above all, Verna cherished her family. They were the center of her world and the greatest joy of her life. Her legacy of love, hard work, and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her.
Verna is lovingly remembered by her children: Verlynn (Dick) Moroney of South Vienna, Ohio; Lyndon “Ernie” Henning (Ruth Sueverkruebbe) of Davenport, and Renae (Michael) Baca of Albuquerque, N.M. She is also survived by numerous grand and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; brothers, Ray, Harvey and Roland Sothmann; sisters; Elna Sothmann and Alice Krohn; and one granddaughter, Dodi Bernatz.
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