Rev. Richard Fred Hennig

Rev. Richard Fred Hennig, 77, of South Haven, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born December 16, 1939 to Herman and Pearl (Wagner) Hennig in Chicago, Illinois. Richard graduated from Bangor High School with the Class of 1957  and obtained a Master’s degree from Bethany Seminary in 1969, becoming an ordained WELS pastor. Richard served churches in El Paso, Texas, Williamston, Michigan, Jacksonville, Florida, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Benton Harbor, Michigan. He married Anita Behncke on May 27, 1989. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and hunter. He loved watching sports and especially the Michigan State Spartans. He coached baseball and basketball and was a referee.

He is preceded in death along with his father by a brother – James Hennig.

Richard is survived by his wife of 27 years – Anita Hennig, children – Wendy (Mike) Schaefer of Lakeland, Colorado, Kirk (Kim) Hennig of Franklin, Tennessee, Amy (Eric) Paulsen of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Steve (Ellen) Hennig of Oshkosh, Wisconson, stepchildren – Rob Behncke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and James (Holly) Behncke of Vero Beach, Florida, mother – Pearl Hennig of Bangor, Michigan, siblings – Tim (Candy) Hennig of Myrtle Beach, Florida, Robin (Keith) Mock of Bangor, Michigan and Sue (Erny) Kappel of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and thirteen grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Haven. Memorial services will follow visitation at 11:00 AM at the church with Pastor Stephen Daley officiating. Richard will be laid to rest at Hoppin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Richard’s memory to the St. Paul 40 Weeks of Focus – Matching Fund, 718 Arbor Court, South Haven, Michigan 49090.