Rudolph B. "Rudy" Henning

EAU CLAIRE - Rudolph B. "Rudy" or "Mick" Henning, 63, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 at Sacred Heart Hospital.

He was born June 1, 1945 in Chippewa Falls to Mildred (Gruner) and Judd Henning. He grew up in Stanley and at a young age started trucking with his dad. He drove truck up until three years ago, when his health forced him to retire. Over the years, he drove for many companies: Huseby, out of Menomonie; Sather, out of Round Lake, Minn.; Midwest Coast, out of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Bresina's, out of Chippewa Falls. He eventually had his own trucks that were leased to FedEx, which brought him great pride.

During all the years on the road, he never had a citation and was accident-free. He received numerous awards year after year for his safety. This was his passion, pride and joy.

Rudy married Cheryl Whitcome in 1966 and they parented four children. He loved his children dearly, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them if it were within his power.

He was a true sportsman. This was the first hunting season he missed since he was 12-years-old. His remorse was great because of that. Canada was a playground for Rudy and his family every year for their annual fishing extravaganzas. To see his face during this time was like looking at the sun, it actually lit up. He has bequeathed his love of God's great outdoors to his children and grandchildren.

His other passions were horses and stock car racing. Rudy broke horses most of his life and had a great gift for that. He raced stock cars on every dirt track in the area and in later years, sponsored several of his own family members' race cars.

He will be dearly missed by: two daughters, Melissa (Steven) Hallquist of Eau Claire and Monica (Greg Goulet) Schneider of Chippewa Falls; twin sons, Mark (Vicki Loeffelholz) Henning of Eau Claire and Michael (Michelle) Henning of Chippewa Falls; a sister, Bonnie (Art) Mathews of Chippewa Falls; five grandchildren, Travis Hallquist and Tara Hallquist both of Eau Claire, Tracy Hallquist of Chippewa Falls, Connor Henning of Baldwin and Trey Henning of Chippewa Falls; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents and a brother, Leroy Henning.

A funeral service will be at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15 at Zion United Methodist Church, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Ann Scott officiating. Spring interment will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Stanley.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.

A special thanks to St. Joseph's Hospice and Comforts of Home in Chippewa Falls and to the 2nd floor palliative care unit at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. The family is grateful to Jan Martell for going the extra mile. Thank you to Jane, Judy and Kristi for their caregiving and continued friendship. God bless each of you. Thank you to Zion United Methodist Church and Pastor Ann Scott for her support, friendship and prayers.

The struggle was long and hard, and he called out to God day and night.

Then his Savior delivered him. He no longer had to fight.

We lovingly gave him to Him. We thank God for his mercy and care.

Goodbye to you for now, Rudy. We will wait until we too can be there.