Julie Hennings

JULIE HENNINGS

Clutier

Somewhere along Rural Route 1 and X Avenue near Clutier, Julie Dvorak Hennings has always called home. From this geographically small area, Julie has been an influence on many lives. She was a daughter to Albin and Violet Dvorak, born on Dec. 5, 1955, at Corn Belt Hospital in Belle Plaine, Iowa.

She attended Dysart Geneseo School and graduated in 1974. Julie enjoyed horses and horseback riding in her younger years.

Julie found the love of her life just down Rural Route 1. The relationship began thanks to a helpful mailman, Eddie Kremenak. He would deliver mail daily from Julie's home north about two miles to Lonny's home, with postage (coins) taped to the envelope.

It wasn't long and Lonny and Julie were married. The wedding was on a very cold Jan. 11 in 1975 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vining. The two worked each day side-by-side on their farm near Clutier, raising five children. They also raised Holstein bottle calves, feeder calves and pigs.

In 1994, Lonny and Julie began a new endeavor and purchased a herd of Ayrshire milking cows. Dairying proved to be a passion for Julie and provided cherished times for her, her husband and loved ones.

Julie was a mother figure to more than just her five children and 12 grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, college friends, neighbor children and other acquaintances have been captivated by Julie's knack for deep conversation over a home-cooked meal or some hard work. Her kitchen table and dairy parlor have been a memorable venue for countless momentous occasions for so many loved ones.

Julie was diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2014. Her faith proved strong as she underwent chemotherapy and radiation with strength and confidence. Through good and bad days, Julie held strong to her faith and was rarely seen without a smile or cheerful message. She worked hard to stay healthy for her family and received immense joy watching grandchildren and their cousins grow and play.

Since her diagnosis, Julie spent her time doing just what she wanted. She enjoyed her days on the farm with loved ones, attending her grandchildren's activities and fishing with her mother at her pond. This August, she was able to take one last trip to Villard, Minn., for the annual Dvorak family vacation.

On Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, Julie began her journey to heaven. She was in her home surrounded by her husband, all five children, and other loved ones.

Julie has a legacy of loved ones and is survived by her husband, Lonny, of 41 years; their five children and 12 grandchildren: Andrea (Chris) Behrens and Benton, Ellie, Grant; Eric (Shannon) Hennings and Morgan and Mason; Willis (Lacey) Hennings and Owen, Neeley, Nash; Nicole (Andrew) Knaack and Kolt and Emmet; and Lindsey (Nathan) Upah and Wyatt and Violet. Julie also is survived by her mother, Violet Dvorak; and four siblings, Wayne (Carol) Dvorak, Doug (Andrea) Dvorak, Randy Dvorak and Laurie (Craig) Greiner.

She reunites in heaven with her father, Albin Dvorak; her beloved aunt, Pauline Dvorak; and other relatives.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chelsea. Burial: Holy Trinity Cemetery, rural Clutier. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Overton Funeral Home in Traer, with a rosary service at 3:45 p.m.

Please direct memorials to the family; a donation will be made at a later date to a local youth agriculture fund.

Condolences may be left at the website, www.overtonservice.com.