In Memory

William Henningsen

William Henningsen

MIDDLETON - William (Bill) Henningsen of (Racine, Springfield Corners, Middleton and Port Charlotte, FL) died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

Bill had a way of turning a stranger or new acquaintance into a lifelong friend. He could talk to anybody about anything due to his outgoing nature, extensive life experience and worldwide travel. Truly genuine, loyal, and generous, he would do anything to help his loved ones in any way. Many area farmers will remember "The MoorMans Man" driving into their yards in his white Toyota Pick-UP.

He leaves behind family and friends; as well as the love of his life, Brenda Ziegler; and her daughters: Jessica and Sydney.

A gathering for friends and family to celebrate Bill's life will be on July 30, 2023, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the SPRINGFIELD INN (6136 County Rd P, Dane, WI 53529). Please join us!

Some additional obituary info:
William (Bill) Henningsen, aged 75, died peacefully on June 25th, 2023 at home, with the love of his life at his side. Bill was a generous, funny, energetic, and loving person. He was passionate about the outdoors, farming, being active, playing pickle ball and he loved his friends and chosen family dearly.

Bill was born on November 8th, 1947 in Racine, Wisconsin to Martin and Ruth (Wieland) Henningsen. His Grandpa Wieland, whom he talked about fondly, was a major influence in his childhood and future professional life.

Bill graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine, WI. He got his degree in Business Administration and Marketing from UW-Whitewater in 1971. Bill traveled around the world, but home for him was his farm in Springfield Corners, WI and later on the canal in Port Charlotte, FL.

After college graduation, he worked on a cattle ranch in Australia before returning to Wisconsin, buying a farm and working for MoorMan’s Feed Company. People will probably remember him driving up in his white Toyota truck with his product samples from the feed company. He was very proud of continuing in the cattle sales work his grandpa taught him to excel at.

After his retirement, he sold his farm and moved to his home in Port Charlotte, FL. Even in retirement, Bill was very energetic and active. He took a part time job as a driving instructor. He also worked for the Tampa Bay Rays minor league team – The Stone Crabs.

Bill was enthusiastic about the outdoors, loved nature, skiing, fishing, walking, biking and doing anything at all with the love of his life, Brenda. Trips with friends to go snowmobiling or skiing were a frequent event. He loved to have people over for parties at his home and was particularly known for hosting a MoorMan’s Customer Appreciation Picnic and open house every other summer

.Bill had a way of turning a stranger or new acquaintance into a lifelong friend. He could talk to anybody about anything due to his outgoing nature, extensive life experience and worldwide travel. Truly genuine, loyal, and generous, he would do anything to help his loved ones in any way.

Bill’s dog, Bandit (an Australian Blue Heeler), is likely providing great comfort to Bill up in Heaven.Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Debra Henningsen. He is survived by his sisters Lynda Henningsen, Marybeth (Henningsen) Phipps, his partner, Brenda Ziegler and her daughters, Jessica and Sydney, and countless friends and loved ones. Bill had been married and divorced but his future plan was to marry Brenda, whom he had originally asked 30 years ago. He will be dearly missed by his loved ones and all those whose lives he touched. Thank you to all of you that added to Bill’s life story.

A gathering for friends and family to celebrate Bill’s life will be on July 30th, from 1-5 pm at the Springfield Inn (6136 County Rd P, Dane, WI 53529). In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital in Bill’s name: www.stjude.org. He chose to never have children of his own but believed in supporting this worthy organization.

In this time of grief, we extend our deepest condolences to all those mourning the loss of Bill. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration for those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed!

 



 
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09/20/23 01:06 PM #1    

Donald Piggins

Among other things, Bill went to Australia, taught himself to fly a helicopter to herd sheep and cattle, a multi-talented guy.  


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