Waldo G. Hennen
October 3, 1910 - August 9, 2008
Obituary
Waldo G. Hennen
Waldo G. Hennen was born October 3, 1910 in Joel, Idaho. Waldo passed away at 1:04 AM Saturday, August 9, 2008, at the family residence in Des Moines, WA. Waldo was preceded in death by Ruth E. George Hennen, his beloved wife for over 65 years. Waldo is survived by his loving sons John of Olympia, WA and Gindorf, Germany, and Thomas of Des Moines, WA, his loving daughter-in-law Nancy Nelson of Olympia, WA and Gindorf, Germany, his grand children Tracy Bent of Gindorf, Germany and Amy Longmire of Olympia, four great grand children, Tatum, Hunter, Piper and Morgan Bent, and many nieces and nephews. Waldo was a 1927 graduate of Moscow High School and a 1933 graduate of the University of Idaho in Business Administration. During World War II, Waldo was a shop supervisor at the North Tacoma Boeing Branch Plant that produced components for the B-17 Flying Fortress and later for the B-29. In the post war era at the dawn of the Jet Age Waldo worked in the Experimental Division, producing the B-47, B-52, and 367-80 707 Prototype. Waldo was an avid golfer, achieving a hole-in-one, and had been a resident of Des Moines since 1951. Waldo was the last living family member of seven sibling children from Joel. In recent years, Waldo enjoyed returning to his boyhood home in Joel, Idaho and visiting with friends at the Latah County Historical Society in Moscow. Three qualities Waldo had in abundance were intelligence, humor and heart; his family loved him so. .At Waldo’s request, there will be no funeral service. Remembrances should be directed to the Latah County Historical Society, 327 E. 2nd St. Moscow, ID 83843.
To John & all of his family, we are so sorry to hear of Waldo’s passing. Waldo and Ruth were so hospitable to Verne and I when we first met John during the late 60’s and 70’s. Their home was always open to John’s friends. Both Waldo and Ruth had such a friendly and interested outlook on life. The family was lucky to have them for so long. We will always remember those good days – they seem to be always sun-filled in our memory. The family has a large store of good memories and traditions to pass on. Our love to you all.
What a real pleasure it was for us to have known Waldo! He was such a gentle and charming man. It was a real treasure for us to have him come to visit as he was searching his Latah County roots. We don’t often get to know someone that well, and he was very special to us. Tom, thank you for sharing your family history, photos, and Waldo with us all. Your love for your dad was obvious through your patience and help for him. We are all deeply saddened by his passing. It is hard to think that he won’t be coming by for a visit. Please accept our deepest condolences. I will be thinking of you on Friday as you and your family say “good-bye” to a very special man.
Ann, Dan, and Kym
Waldo Hennen was my father. He was also a kind,humble and generous person who,like his wife, and my mother, Ruth, will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. I met many people over the years who knew or worked with Waldo, but I never heard a single bad word about him. Typical was this from a co-worker at Boeing, where Waldo spent 33 years of his life: “I worked with Waldo Hennen during and after the War. He was one of the finest men ever to walk the earth.” I couldn’t have said it better, as I could not have had a better father.
Now, he is again with Ruth. May they rest in peace together forever.
Is he the same Waldo Hennen that recruited engineers to work at Boeing in the 1967s?