Francis David Hennessey

Francis David Hennessey (Dave) 86 Johnston, Iowa & McAllen, Texas formerly of Marion, Iowa died Sunday November 9 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Dave was born in Rowley, Iowa September 10, 1928. He is survived by his wife of 59 years LaVera; sons: Alan Hennessey, Ron Hennessey and Gary Hennessey; daughters: Cathy (Larry) Palmer and Kelly Hennessey; grandchildren: Amy (Mike) Miller, Cory Palmer and Matt Palmer children of Cathy & Larry, Thomas Schakel son of Kelly, Elizabeth and Aaron Hennessey children of Gary; great grandchildren: Katelyn and Kylie Miller daughters of Amy brothers: Maurice Hennessey & Larry (Donna) Hennessey; sisters: Geraldine Welter, Catherine (Gene) DeLucia, Marilyn (Bob) McElligott, Sister Gwen Hennessey, Mary June (Jim) McDonald and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Maurice and Anna Hennessey; brothers: James Hennessey, Tom Hennessey, Jack Hennessey and Maryknoll Father Ron Hennessey and sisters: Sister Dorothy Marie Hennessey, Sister Miriam Hennessey and Monica Kresbach. He was one of 15 children born to Anna Killeas Hennessey and Maurice Hennessey. They lived on various farms around Independence, Iowa. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. On January 15, 1955, he married LaVera Ranfeld, whom he met at a dance at Danceland. They were married almost 60 years. A majority of his working career was spent as a tool-and-die maker for Midland Forge of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He later graduated from Hamilton Business College. Dave was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan all of his life. Dave attended as many football and basketball games as he could. He loved to make people laugh by telling jokes and lots of stories. He quite often would joke he had three sisters that are nuns and a brother that was a priest and he was the sweetest one. Upon retirement, Dave and LaVera lived six months each year in McAllen as Winter Texans. He also enjoyed riding his bicycle, spending time reading, and volunteering. Dave and LaVera traveled to Reynosa, Mexico, bringing supplies and donated to the Casa Amparo Girls Home. The joy of his life was his family, especially his great granddaughters.