By Chad Koenen

Publisher

A Henning woman died when her home exploded on Tuesday morning. 

Paulette Venzke, age 77 of Henning, was unaccounted for after her home exploded around 9:38 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Her body was later discovered with the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office formally identifying her as the victim on Thursday morning. 

According to a release from the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office one family dog is missing and is presumed to be deceased from the incident. 

The explosion prompted a significant response from local law enforcement. When crews arrived on the scene the house was fully engulfed in flames and one party initially unaccounted for, who was later determined to be Venzke, at the time. 

One Henning fireman was injured in the initial response to the scene. The fireman was treated and release from the hospital. No other injuries were reported.

“Thank you to everyone that assisted at this scene, Parkers Prairie Fire and Ambulance, Vining Fire, Deer Creek Fire, and Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this tragic event,” stated a post on the Henning Fire and Rescue Facebook page. “Our fireman is resting and recovering at home and will be back out and about soon! Thank you to everyone who has checked in on him over the past few days. We have an amazing community and appreciate you all.”

While the investigation is ongoing, no foul play is suspected.