Dr. John M Hennessey

John Michael "Jack", son of Nicholas Joseph (a native of County Tipperary, Ireland) and Alma Jane (Travers) Hennessey was born on June 28, 1918 in Missouri Valley, Iowa. He attended Missouri Valley High School and after graduating, worked for two years in Chicago. He then attended the University of Iowa. On December 27, 1943 Jack married Shirlie Ryan in Missouri Valley. While serving in the United States Army, Jack received his M.D. from the University of Iowa in 1944. He later served in the United States Navy. In 1946 Jack and family moved to Manilla, Iowa where he was a true country doctor serving communities throughout the area. In addition to his practice, he was on staff at St Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, and made daily house calls. He was proud of the over 2,000 babies he delivered during his career. He was a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and served as a host and mentor for many medical students. "Doc" loved living in Manilla. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Holy Name Society, the Chamber of Commerce and was t...[more]

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physician for Manilla athletics for many years. He enjoyed golf, fishing and reading. In 1989 Shirlie passed away and Jack remained active in his practice until he retired in 1991. On December 9, 1993 Jack married Lucille Bauer of Denison at Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. They enjoyed dancing and traveling until Jack suffered a spinal cord injury in 1998. They continued to enjoy their life together with the loving support of close friends and family. On Tuesday, November 8, 2011 Jack passed away at Crawford County Memorial Hospital at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirlie, sister Vera Burke and brother Harold Hennessey. Jack is survived by his wife Lucille of Manilla; children: Terry O'Neill of St. Paul, Minnesota; Kate Hennessey and husband Terry Lindenberg of Boulder, Colorado; Sheriff Michael Hennessey and wife Beverly of San Francisco, California; Buff Hennessey and husband Jack Priggen of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota; Meg and husband Phil Seifert of Lake Tapawingo, Missouri and Dr. Sean Hennessey and wife Concepcion of Vallejo, California; stepchildren: Curt Bauer and wife Kathy of Denison; Susan and husband Dean Hulsebus of Dallas Center, and Bill Bauer and wife Sharon of West Des Moines; grandchildren: Carol, Deirdre, Chris, Nick, Celina, Christine, Samantha, Caitlin, Michelle, Patrick and Meredith; step grandchildren: Casey, Kelly, Michael, Ryan, Sean, Tim, Chris and Sara; 5 great-grandchildren; 6 step great-grandchildren; dear friends Glen and Chris Macumber; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Celebrant Rev. Robert Gralapp Lectors Deirdre Zeipelt Christine Priggen Sean Hennessey Gift Bearers Dr. Hennessey's Granddaughters Music "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" Recording "Amazing Grace" Recording "On Eagle's Wings" Sacred Heart Choir Irene Feilmeier, Organist Casket Bearers Christopher Seifert Nicholas Seifert Patrick Priggen Curt Bauer Glen Macumber Roland Huebner Honorary Casket Bearers Dr. James Flood Robert Reimer Dr. Melvin Broers