Raymond Henning

Raymond W. Henning, 81, Wausau, died Friday, October 11, 2013 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Ray was born October 14, 1931 in Wausau to the late Walter and Bertha (Plautz) Henning. He married Janis Wendt on September 15, 1956 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Town of Hamburg. They were dairy farmers for over 30 years before Ray started working for Wausau Insurance in their maintenance department and later 10 years with Greenwood Hills Golf Course mowing before retiring. Through all his years working and after, Ray was active in the church choir and the St. John Cemetery board, serving as treasurer and president.

Ray was a very good man who dearly loved his wife. Though not having children of their own, Ray and Janis treasured every moment with their nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; loading the kids into the car at Christmas time to look at the lights, riding the pontoon boat around the lake and playing pool just to name a few of their favorite memories together. He loved to spend hours in the garden with Janis tending to their flowers and dancing together like the day they first met.

After leaving the farm, Ray and Janis immediately set out to make up for lost time traveling together, visiting Nashville, Branson, Sacramento, CA and Arizona. They also enjoyed playing sheepshead in card clubs together. One of his favorite hobbies was going up to the cabin with the guys and hunting and fishing.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Janis; nephews, John Henning and Paul (Judy) Henning; niece, Jane (Bill) Coleman; and extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, Martin (Irma) Henning and sister, Millard Henning.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at St. John Evangelical Church, Town of Maine. Reverend Dan Sire will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the service. Helke Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family with the arrangements, you may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.