Paul Henningsen

1946 - 2016

Henningsen, Paul Paul Henningsen died at the age of 70 of natural causes at his home on Sunday, October 16, 2016, while retrieving the Sunday newspapers. He was the son of Mary Roseman Henningsen and Victor E. Henningsen of Whitefish Bay who predeceased him, and the brother of Phil Henningsen who also predeceased him. He is survived by his former wife, Margaret Henningsen, and his step-daughter, Maya Peterson, both of Milwaukee; two sisters, Ellen Henningsen of Madison and Nancy Henningsen of Bethesda MD; as well as by his in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Paul graduated from Whitefish Bay High School in 1964, Lawrence University in 1968, and Marquette Law School in 1976. He was elected to public office eight times - to the Milwaukee County Board in 1973 and 1980, and to the Milwaukee Common Council in 1983, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000. Paul's list of accomplishments on behalf of the City and People of Milwaukee are many. To list but a few: increased tax base and economic and residential development downtown and in the Historic Third Ward; promotion of the North Water Street area into a nightlife destination; promotion of Riverwalk; creation of a building inspection task force to focus on the worst residential landlords; improvements in the Concordia, Cold Spring and Merrill Park neighborhoods; revision of the Zoning Code; and rehabilitation of homes and apartments throughout his district. But as readers know, he was prosecuted and convicted in 2003 for misusing his campaign funds, and thus his public career ended. A special thank you to the Rogers family and his friends for their support during this time. He hoped that once out of prison he would be welcomed back into the political community where he had much to offer, but that was not to be. A policy wonk, he continued to read voraciously and contemplate strategies to improve the lives of others. He continued to serve others in many ways, including helping low-income people become homeowners. Paul was a unique mix of characteristics and contradictions. Devoted to the betterment of the City of Milwaukee and her citizens, he often did not adequately care for himself. Able to understand the intricacies of the City budget and TIF financing, he could not always properly manage his campaign and personal finances. Willing to shoulder the burdens of his constituents, he was reluctant to ask others to help with his own. Gregarious but also shy, challenged by the need to maintain a public persona. Very bright regarding solutions to public problems, not always so smart in regard to his own. Yet he was loved, admired and respected by family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and constituents. His passion for public service, love of family and friends, compassion for others, political analysis, historical knowledge, dumb jokes, love of the Packers, and packets of newspaper clippings mailed to friends and family will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In memory of Paul, please vote on November 8. Remember to bring your photo ID. Call VoteRiders at 414-882-8622 if you need help getting a photo ID. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, consider The Literacy Services of Wisconsin, 555 N. Plankinton, Milwaukee 53203 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to The Family of Paul Henningsen, P.O. Box 3020, Madison, WI 53704.