In Memory of Shannon W. Henningsen

Shannon Walter Henningsen, age 64, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, surrounded by his family. Shannon died a hero while saving the life of his wife during a bull attack.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Schleswig, Iowa. Rev. Merle Mahnken will officiate. Committal services will follow in the Hayes Township Cemetery of Arthur, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Born on September 7, 1961, in Denison, Iowa, to Gene and Connie (Halterman) Henningsen. Shannon graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1980. Following graduation, he continued working and dedicated his life to farming the family farm. Over the past 30 years, his operation included farrow-to-finish hogs, a cow/calf herd, feedlot cattle, row crops, and alfalfa. In his earlier years, the farm also included a dairy operation, where Shannon spent many hours milking cows.

Thirty years ago, Shannon founded Triple H Dirt, through which he constructed terraces and waterways, removed trees, and restored farm sites. He also spent 20 years providing snow removal services for the state highway system.

On May 23, 1998, Shannon married the love of his life, Barbara Sholty. Together, they raised three children: Shilby, Ryan, and Bree.

Shannon’s greatest joy was teaching his children, but he also took pride in educating other young people about farming, livestock, and mechanical repair. He had a lifelong passion for working on tractors and spent many years assisting his father at H&H Sales. Shannon enjoyed attending farm sales and livestock auctions and was known as an excellent pool player, highly sought after for league teams.

Shannon was an active member of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Pork Producers, reflecting his deep commitment to agriculture and the farming community.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Henningsen of Ida Grove, IA; children Shilby (Sam) Henningsen of Ida Grove, IA, Ryan (Eleanor) Henningsen of Battle Creek, IA and Bree (Marshall) Stief of Cherokee, IA; grandchildren: Kaidyn, Rylie, Reagan, Jamie Jo, and baby Stief on the way; sisters Kay (Les) Sorenson, Onawa, IA, Cindy (Ron) Hausman of Onawa, IA; brother Darin (Esther) Henningsen of La Vernia, TX; parents-in-law Stephen and Joyce Sholty of Ida Grove, IA; brothers-in-law Gerrod (Julie) Sholty of Ida Grove, IA, Jason Sholty of Bayard, IA, and Grant (Megan) Sholty of Ida Grove, IA ; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Shannon was preceded in death by Gene and Connie Henningsen; nephew Josh Sorenson; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.