Keith Henschen

1943 - 2021

DR. KEITH PAGE HENSCHEN

1943 ~ 2021

To always be remembered as an incredible teacher, an impactful mentor, a beloved friend, and a man of great integrity.

Holladay, UT - Our loving husband, dad, brother, grandpa, and friend passed away as the sun arose on Friday, October 22, at Wentworth At Coventry surrounded by his sweetheart of 53 years, and adoring son and daughter.

Keith was born on September 10, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Helen Louise Mott and Ralph William Henschen. At the tender age of six, Keith's mother passed away, but he was blessed to be raised by his wonderful step-moother, Charlotte Eileen Dutt. One of Keith's favorite childhood memories was becoming an Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Northside High School class of 1961. He then attended Ball State Teacher's College in Muncie, Indiana where he played basketball, graduated with a teaching degree, and met the love of his life, Julie Dee Zeigler. Keith then attended Penn State where he began his Master's degree. Later, he earned his P.E.D. From Indiana University.

Keith and Julie were married in 1968, and after becoming members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1975. Keith was a devoted member of the church who loved to teach and serve.

Keith was a professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Utah for 39 years (1971 - 2010) with an area of expertise in the psychological aspect of sport. He published over 200 articles, 40 chapters of books, five monographs, and co-authored five textbooks. He directed 53 doctoral dissertations and 23 masters thesis. At the time of his retirement, Keith had taught over 10,000 students. Keith has been a frequent research presenter and conference speaker having made over 500 presentations during his career. He served as president (1997-98) of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). He was also elected as President (2001-2005) of the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP). He was the honored recipient of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (ASSP) "Coleman Griffin Award" in 2015 and the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) "Distinguished International Sport Psychology Award" in 2017.

In the Sport world, "Hensch" or "Doc" was a pioneer in his field who consulted with numerous world class, professional, and elite level athletes, including five National Governing Boards (NGB's) for the United States Olympic committee. He has been the Sport Psycholigist consultant for the United States Association for Track and Field (USATF), the United States Gymnastic Federation (USGF), the United States Skiing Association (USSA), and the United States Speed Skating Association (USSSA) - both long and short track. He has been on the staff for various teams at 10 different Olympic Games. Keith worked with numerous college and professional athletes in his private practice. He was also the Sport Psychology Consultant for the Utah Jazz for 29 years.

Keith had a way of relating to all levels of athletes that brought out the best of them. Some called it bringing out their "gold" both professionally and personally. He treated each athlete as an individual and valued their gift or talent, not their notoriety.

One of Keith's most memorable personality trait was his funny, unique, and appropriately timed, quick witted humor. This was a quality that endeared him to his students, athletes and friends.

Keith was a strong, principled, forthright, dedicated, sensitive, loving and God-fearing man. He was one who always tried to do what was right but also a man who had his weaknesses.

Dr. Henschen, left a positive and influential imprint worldwide on the human race…especially in the Sport's World. He truly made a significant difference in many lives and will be greatly missed. He leaves a giant void here on earth, but we know that he has been welcomed into the arms of our loving Heavenly Father. He has now been reunited with his dear mother who he has been waiting a long time to hug.

Keith is survived by his loving wife, Julie; children - Shane P. Henschen and Eschelle N. Lawrenson (Brett); 3 extraordinary grandsons: Braxton, Ryker, and Tayson Lawrenson; brothers, Ken and Bruce Henschen in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as many extended family members in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Reno, Nevada. He was proceeded in death by his parents, step-mother, brother (Ralph), in-laws, and dear friends.

A special THANK YOU to all the loving and caring CNA's at Wentworth At Coventry!

In parting Keith wanted all to know, "If you stay righteous, the Lord will bless you, and we will meet again in the hereafter'.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 28th from 6-8 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary 4760 S. State Street, Murray, UT. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 29th at 1:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 10th Ward Building 4930 S. Westmoor Road, Holladay, UT. Graveside Dedication will be held just after the funeral services at the Memorial Holladay Cemetery 4900 S Memory Lane, Holladay, UT .

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dr. Keith Henschen Scholarship

which has been set up in his honor to support students pursuing a degree in Health and Kinesiology. Thank you

https://ustarter.utah.edu/o/university-of-utah-39/i/ustarter/s/henschen-scholarship

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