Patrick Hennenfent

Patrick E. Hennenfent, 65, of Wataga, Illinois passed away on Thursday, March 09, 2023, while vacationing in Negril, Jamaica. Pat was born September 09, 1957 in Galesburg, Illinois to Leo A. Hennenfent and Shirley (Cunningham) Hennenfent, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in rural Knox County, the seventh of ten children. He graduated Galesburg High School in 1975. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kimberly S. (Smith) Hennenfent; Three sons: Phillip (Johanna) Hennenfent of Altona, Scott (Katie) Hennenfent with Grandchildren Ella and Oliver of Altona, and David (Katie K.) Hennenfent of Dahinda. He is also survived by eight siblings, Margaret "Peg" Hannam of Galesburg, Connie Smith of Gilson, Becky Conley of Clinton, IA, Mary (Mark) Ebert of Kewanee, Daniel (Marcy) Hennenfent of Ottawa, John (Holly) Hennenfent of Galesburg, Robert (fiancé Lou Anne) Hennenfent of Wataga, and Jeffery (Merris) Hennenfent of Dahinda; a sister-in-law, Judy Hennenfent of Knoxville, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Pat was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Hennenfent, a sister-in-law, Christine Hennenfent, and brothers-in-law, James Smith and William "Larry" Conley.

Faith, Family, Community, and Farming were the bases for which Pat lived his life. As a member of The Oaks Community Church at Oak Run, Pat was a devout Christian and enjoyed fellowship with his Small Group and the congregation. He was involved in Agriculture since birth and rented his first property to farm at age 12. In his youth, he was a member of the Henderson Aggies 4-H Club, President of Galesburg FFA and 1st Vice President of Illinois State FFA, Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders, and Galesburg Jaycees.

Pat was also a member of Knox County Farm Bureau, Knox County Pork Producers, President of Knox County Corn Growers (1989-1992), Knox County Board of Directors (1985-1998), Prairie Drifters Snowmobile Club, President of Knox County Snowmobile Search and Rescue (18 years), President of Knox County Farm Safety Camp for Kids (28 years), AG Day for Kids, A.O.&W. Ambulance Service (14 years), Oneida/Wataga Fire Department (17 years), Henderson Fire Department (5 years), Illinois Patriot Guard Riders, Knox County Merit Commission (38 years), West Central Illinois Realtors Association and RE/MAX Preferred Properties (17 years), and President of Knox County Farm Bureau Condominium Board (5 years). He was the President of Wataga Baseball Association (11 years), as well as a coach for Wataga and Post 727 Baseball. He also enjoyed putting on kiddie tractor pulls known as Pat's Pedal Power Pullers (40 years) all over West Central Illinois.

Growing up farming all his life, Pat entered into a farming partnership with his brother Robert in 1990; known as Hennenfent Brothers Farms. Farming was a very important part of his life, instilling a tremendous work ethic into his three sons and three nieces, who grew up working with him and Robert on the farm.

Pat enjoyed volunteering for the Oneida/Wataga Fire Department, Henderson Fire Department, and A.O.&W Ambulance service as an EMT Basic, among other countless organizations that he volunteered his time and efforts to. His service to the community will be deeply missed.

Pat LOVED life, and lived it to the fullest. He never passed up the opportunity to go on trips or adventures with family and friends.  Some of his many hobbies included St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, hunting with family, snowmobile trips, and fishing expeditions with some of his dearest friends.

Services will be as follows:  Visitation on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 2-8 p.m. at The Oaks Community Church, Dahinda. Funeral Service will be Monday, March 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Oaks Community Church, Dahinda with burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Galesburg. Pat wanted to host one last party. There will be a celebration of his life on Monday, March 27 following the burial, from 1-6 p.m. at The Vault, 185 S. Kellogg, Galesburg, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be equally distributed to: A.O.&W Ambulance Service, Knox County Snowmobile Search and Rescue, and Knox County Farm Safety Camp for Kids. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com