Michael George "Mike" Henning (75) of Effingham

Michael “Mike” George Henning, 75, of Effingham, IL passed away on January 24, 2021 at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2021 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. A walk-through visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please wear a mask for all services and follow all social distancing guidelines. Limitations to gathering size will be observed. We kindly ask you to pay your respects in a timely manner.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Schools or The Family Life Center. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Mike was born July 18, 1945 in Effingham, IL, son of William “Bill” and Carrie (Redden) Henning of Effingham. He married Diane H. Dust on June 11, 1966. Mike became the drummer for Bill Burry and the Wagon Wheels right out of high school and played with them for 9 years until they disbanded. Mike inherited his drumming ability from his father who played for the Novelty Six Band starting in 1933. Bill and the band played for colleges, universities President’s Grand Ball and many area weddings for which they were known for. Mike graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1966 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and went on to complete a Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. In the late 60s to early 70s, he held various teaching, coaching, and administrative positions in several area school districts including, St. Paul High School in Highland, Triad High School in St. Jacob, Marshall High School and finished his education career at Dieterich High School.

After his education career, Mike became Manager of Effingham Automotive Warehouse for Dust and Son. In 1985, he established the Henning Family Business Center when he felt the calling to help business owners transfer their businesses to the next generation. For the rest of his career, Mike put his teaching, coaching, speaking and consulting skills to work and accomplished great things for many successful businesses.

Mike was an outstanding baseball pitcher with thriving careers at both St. Anthony High School and EIU. He was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was quite an athlete all his life, playing catch with his grandchildren well into his retirement years. He enjoyed traveling whether for business or for fun to explore the world with Diane. He enjoyed golfing, snow skiing the Rockies especially at Steamboat Springs, CO and hiking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. Mike’s greatest pleasures were being with his family, especially Sundays at their Lake Sara cabin, where he enjoyed boating and watching the family ski and tube. He was so proud of his 4 children, 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. He set an example for his family in how to live and love others. He loved to visit with people, was always ready to help, and loved to promote Pro-Life and vocations.

Mike was a member of Toastmasters, National Speaker Association, St. Anthony Church, Effingham Area DeColores, Effingham Knights of Columbus and the Effingham Country Club.

Mike is survived by Diane, his loving wife of 54 years; 4 children, Bill (Deb) Henning, Leawood, KS; Barb Utz and fiancé Chuck Cushman, Effingham; Brian (Mandy) Henning, Effingham; and Brenda (Pete) Jansen, Mason; 13 grandchildren, Blake and Alex Henning; Keri (Quinn) Thoele, Anna, Greg, Jake, Luke and Eric Utz; Avery and Kelsi Henning; and Bryar, Brock and Livia Jansen; great-grandson, Elliott Thoele; and brother, Lynden (Marge) Henning, Mattoon.

He was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Gene Niccum and Nicholas Dust.