L.E. Henning

Leonard Eugene Henning, one of four sons of John and Grace (Groff) Henning, was born August 20, 1926 on a farm near Peru, Nebraska. He attended Peru Prep, and in his senior year was drafted into the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Before leaving for his service, Gene was united in marriage to Shirley Reber on January 15, 1945. While on deployment he served on several destroyer escorts in the Atlantic and Pacific arenas. Following his honorable discharge, Gene returned to the States and his wife. The couple would be blessed with a son and two daughters.

Gene had many interests during his lifetime, and worked as a farmer, a miner, a hog salesman, a western wear salesman, a marketing consultant, and finally as a bus driver in his ?retirement? years. He enjoyed the interaction he had with the kids on the buses he drove.

As a hobby, Gene rodeoed throughout his younger years. When he could no longer ride in rodeos, he purchased race horses and enjoyed the sport of horse racing for many years.

Gene passed away at his home in Ralston, Nebraska on Friday, May 22, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Desiree. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Shirley Reber Henning; son and daughter-in-law Hans E. and Juliette Henning; daughter and son-in-law Teresa and David Decker; grandchildren Samuel Decker, John Decker, Sophie Henning, and Jackson Henning; brothers and sisters-in-law Jerry and Barbara Henning; Johnilee and JoAnn Henning; Charles and Jane Henning; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral services were held Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at the London Cemetery near Auburn, with Rev. Art Chapin officiating. Pallbearers were Larry Henning, Sam Decker, Mark Reber, Gary Reber, John Decker, and John Marks. Burial followed with graveside military honors provided by VFW Post #7299 of Peru.