Rev. Joseph H. Hennen – Rochester

The Funeral Mass for Rev. Joseph Hennen will be on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:30AM at Madonna Towers Chapel, (4001 19th Ave NW Rochester, MN) with Fr. Thomas Gross and Fr. James Hentges officiating. Burial will be at a later date in St. Eloi Cemetery, Ghent, MN alongside his parents. Visitation will be held from 9:00AM until the Mass, at Madonna Towers.

Father Hennen, age 85, died on July 17, 2026, at Madonna Towers in Rochester. He was born on September 18, 1940, to Arnold and Emma Hennen of rural Ghent, MN, and was 1 of 6 children.

Father Joe attended St. Eloi Grade School, Ghent, MN and Central Catholic High School, Marshall, MN. His post-secondary education included Crosier Seminary, Onamia, MN, St. Francis University, Fort Wayne, IN, Crosier House of Studies Fort Wayne, IN, Catholic University, Washington, DC, and New Rochelle College, New Rochelle, NY. He achieved Master’s degrees in Theology, Psychology, Substance Abuse Counseling and Family and Marriage Counseling. After ordination to the priesthood on June 3, 1967, he was Formation Director and later Prior-Rector of the Theology School, Crosier House of Studies, Ft. Wayne, IN. He served as Chaplain at Lincoln Hall, Sommers, NY, Family Therapist at LaSalle School for Court-Referred Boys, Albany, NY. He served as a Psychologist at Daytop Village, Millbrook, NY(a center for adolescent substance abuse) and founder of Daytop New Jersey in the state of NJ, as well as Vice President of Our Common Ground, Redwood City, CA.

He was pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Anoka, MN and pastor of Milia Puka O Kalani, Hilo, HI. In 2006 he became a priest of the Diocese of Honolulu, HI. After retirement in 2014, he became Administrator of the parishes of Harmony, Canton, and Mabel, MN within the Diocese of Winona. In 2017, after a serious illness, he moved to Madonna Towers Rochester where he enjoyed celebrating Mass for the residents. Over the years, he assisted in many parishes in the Fort Wayne, IN Diocese, the New York, NY Archdiocese, Honolulu Diocese, St. Paul Archdiocese, and the Winona Diocese.

Father Joe was an influential priest who positively affected many lives. He was known for his inspiring homilies, sharp wit, and genuine care.

Father Joe is survived by his brothers, Ernest of Marshall, MN, Daniel (Judy) of Marshall, MN, Robert (Cara) of Orlando, FL, sister, Jeannie (Ken) Saffert of Mankato, MN, and his sister-in-law Mary Joan Hennen of Marshall, MN. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, and his sister-in-law Jane Hennen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Madonna Towers of Rochester.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com