Alexandria woman to celebrate 100th birthday

Lois Henningsgaard of Alexandria turns 100 on Feb. 4. Lois lives independently at Arabella Manor in Alexandria. Contributed photo 

Lois Henningsgaard of Alexandria will celebrate her 100th birthday on Feb. 4, 2025.

Lois was born by Holmes City on Feb. 4, 1925, and grew up in Alexandria while attending school. 

In 1943, Lois and her husband were married. They had two children, a son and a daughter. After her daughter sadly passed away, Lois jumped in to help raise her four grandchildren so their father could pursue working construction and establish his own company.

Lois worked at 3M in Alexandria for 20 years. She said the growth of Alexandria in her lifetime has really amazed her.

What is her secret to longevity? “Being happy all the time,” she said. And Lois said the secret to being happy is to keep active. Lois lives independently at Arabella Manor in Alexandria, and drives and goes out for coffee daily. She likes to do things with her friends and family just about every day. 

Some of her hobbies include painting, drawing, sewing, baking, and meeting people for coffee at Hardees (nearly every day).  She still enjoys cooking and her favorite dishes to make are mashed potatoes with gravy, as well as scalloped potatoes and ham.

The most special time in her life was when her children were young -- watching them grow up on the farm. One of her favorite memories was dancing the Old Time Waltz in Nelson in her heyday.

A birthday party at Arabella Manor has been planned.

Special thanks to Arabella Manor for helping with this story/photo.