Jeffrey Leander Hennen

Jeffrey Leander Hennen, age 74, passed away in Florida on April 29, 2026 after a life defined by energy, humor, resilience, and a deep love for family and friends.

Visitation will take place 4-7pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St. S.E., Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. Mary of the Purification Church, 15850 Marystown Rd., Shakopee, MN with visitation beginning at 10am. Private burial will take place at St. Mary's of Marystown Catholic Cemetery.

Jeff was born on March 28, 1952, in Prior Lake, Minnesota, to Lambert and Rose Hennen. He grew up working in the family grocery store, where his strong work ethic began early. Influenced by the spirit of the 1960s, he developed a lifelong passion for cars and motorcycles—everything from muscle cars and race cars to Harleys and later Excelsior Hendersons.

In 1976, Jeff married Karen Wolf, and together they raised their three daughters. In 1984, they moved to Jordan, Minnesota, where Jeff built not only a home, but a life rooted in community, relationships, and opportunity.

A natural entrepreneur, Jeff believed in working hard and taking chances. He founded and operated Jeff Hennen Realty for nearly 30 years and pursued many ventures along the way, including real estate development, custom home building, truck driving, and restaurant ownership. He approached both success and failure with the same mindset: always moving forward, always ready for the next opportunity.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Jeff was never too busy for people. He had a gift for making others feel seen, welcomed, and valued. He was driven and ambitious, yet equally generous with his time, especially when someone needed a hand.

Jeff lived life fully. He enjoyed softball, waterskiing, and time at the lake, and later merged his love of cars with his competitive spirit through drag racing in Brainerd. He spent countless miles on motorcycles with close friends, traveling across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and spending time each Spring in Florida for Daytona Bike Week with friends he greatly cherished. He was also proud to be involved with the Patriot Guard and believed deeply in its mission.

Throughout his life, Jeff cherished time spent with others. Whether it was gathering around a card table, especially his loud and spirited Tuesday night games, or sharing stories with friends and family, he had a way of bringing people together. His humor, storytelling, and larger-than-life presence left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He shared a particularly strong bond with his brother, Jamie, who was a constant presence throughout his life. From their shared love of cars and racing to the many memories made along the way, Jamie was always there—through the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Their relationship was built on loyalty, history, and a deep, unspoken understanding that meant a great deal to Jeff.

Jeff also deepened his faith later in life through his involvement with Friendship Church, where he served as a greeter and found meaning in giving back.

More than anything, Jeff’s greatest pride was his family. He was a proud father to his three daughters, often reminding them, “I’m the dad. That’s my job,” while also sending them off with his unforgettable advice: “Drive fast. Take chances.” He was incredibly proud of the women they became and the lives they built.

He is survived by his daughters, Katie (Jonah) Everson, Wendy (Joe) Berry, and Anne (David) Holmes; his grandchildren, Dominic, Caden, and Rayna; his brother Jamie (Kathy) Hennen; and nieces, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lambert and Rose Hennen.

Jeff will be remembered for his larger-than-life presence, his quick wit, his unwavering drive, and most of all, his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the countless stories that will continue to be shared.