Obituaries

Elmie M. Henning, 94.88 years old, of Eau Claire passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Eau Claire.

Elmie was born on December 20, 1930, to Ellen Wiitanen and Paul Bitner in Wisconsin. She was a long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church. Elmie was very active with quilting, serving in the church kitchen, helping with VBS, and many other activities. She was selfless with her grandchildren and loved to tell them stories. Elmie loved to garden and take care of her plants, both indoors and outdoors. Some of her plants are over 100 years old and have been passed down. She liked to tinker with her plants, grafting and starting them all in different ways. Elmie also loved raising chickens from “scratch!”

Elmie is survived by her children, Linda, Dan, Angel (James-deceased), Kim (Dick), and Wayne (Rhonda); sister-in-law, JoAnn Henning; brothers, Gerald (Virginia) Ranta, David (Caroline) Bitner, Dean (Maggie) Bitner, and Joe (Christine) Bitner; sister, Pauline (Paul) Larson; and multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Elmie was called home to join her husband, Norman; son, James; and grandson, Joseph.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E. Fillmore Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will be on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Clear Creek Cemetery. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.