Keith M. Henning

Keith M. Henning 54, Wausau, died peacefully, Monday, December 27, 2010 at St. Joseph's Hospital under palliative care surrounded by his family, after a six year courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 25, 1956 in Oakland, Calif., son of the late William and Shirley (Schliesman) Henning. Keith graduated from Stevens Point Area Senior High in 1974 and attended University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, graduating with a degree in business in 1979. After graduation, he married Susan Hicken on August 18, 1979 in Stevens Point. Keith worked as a computer programmer /systems analyst his entire career starting with MSWI, a subsidiary of Wausau Insurance Company, then Wausau Insurance, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual Insurance , Wausau Benefits, Fiserve and until this November for United Health Care, UMR. He enjoyed both summer and winter recreation. Some of his summer favorites include canoeing, golfing, biking, running and walking. He took many trips to the Boundary Waters in Canada and looked forward to Monday night golf league with co-workers. His favorite winter activities included snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Keith completed 24 "Birkies" and one Kortelopet in the annual Birkebeiner Ski Race from Cable, Wisc. to Hayward, Wisc. In his earlier years, he enjoyd running 10K races with his wife, together they completed three marathons and Keith completed four more including the Paavo Nurmi Marathon in Hurley, Wisc. Even through his tough battle with cancer Keith always found a way to remain positive with a great sense of humor, piercing his ear so he could exactly fit his nickname of "Mr. Clean." Survivors include his wife, Susan; his two children, Scott and Sara Henning; one brother, Kris (Patti) Henning and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11a.m. Monday, January 3, 2011 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 - 7p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau and again on Monday from 10a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the Gift of Life Transplant House, Rochester, Minn. The family would like to extend a big thank you to the doctors, nurses, CNA's and social worker at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield for their warmth and compassion. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com