William J. Henning, 78, WWII U.S. Navy Veteran

He was born May 27, 1926 in Brownhelm Township and has been a lifelong resident of the Lorain County area.

During World War II, he was a radio operator in the U.S. Navy. He was employed at Sears in Elyria for thirty-eight years, retiring in June, 1989 as a salesperson working in the Lawn, Garden, and Fencing and the Lawn Tractor departments. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed traveling.

William was a member of the Amherst American Legion Post #118, the Amherst V.F.W. Post #1662, the Vermilion Amvets Post #0022, and the Amherst Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1442. He was also a member of Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ in Brownhelm Township.

Survivors include his daughters: Karen Henning of Fresno, California, Kathy Henning of Lorain, and Deborah Henning-Zanni of Wakeman; his son: William Henning of Charlotte, North Carolina; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his sisters Helen Barnes and Martha Dickel, both of Vermilion; and his former wife Catherine Henning (nee: Wukie) of Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mildred Henning (nee: Stipanovich).

Friends may call Monday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services with the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. from Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ; 2144 North Ridge Rd., Brownhelm Township. The Rev. Elizabeth Terrill, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Brownhelm Cemetery, Brownhelm Township.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ; 2144 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion 44089.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.