Leo Henning Obituary

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY Dad!!!
We will be toasting you today.

You are never far away from our thoughts.

Jack

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dad!!!

11-11-23 08-10-08
Dad,
You are never far from our thoughts.

To: Jack H.
Thank you for sharing Maggie's York H.S. performance (your daughter?). Brought tears to my eyes thinking of your Dad, and reading some the memories of your Dad. It's amazing how music and performers and instructors have long long lasting influence on our lives. (Still playing at 75, in fact having our 1st Concert Band rehearsal since the onset of COVID. 7/26/2021) -- class of 64. PS - drop me an email, would love to perform the piece.

07-20-2021
Dad, you would have been very proud of the tribute paid to you by your Great Granddaughter, Maggie, tonight at the York Community Band Summer Concert at York HS. It was outstanding!!!

https://youtu.be/v-ewoSjepEg

You are always in our thoughts.
Jack

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!
We miss you and Mom. You are both always in our thoughts.
Sheila & Jack Henning & Family

He was a great teacher and he always told me when I qwit playing clarinet that I wasted my talent. He taught me in grammar school for nothing and he was right I wasted my talent. May God bless and keep him.

Another year to toast a remarkable man. Still playing (73) and talking about him to my fellow band members and instructors (about the need to have private lessons) and what a difference Mr. Henning had in my life and music. Thanks Mr. Henning. Cheers!

I toast your Dad almost daily now as I practice my saxophone and quickly recall lessons with him in your home basement. Now, nearly 72, I play in the North Suburban Concert Band here in North Suburban Minneapolis. What a great man and instructor not to be forgotten by me.

08.10.2018

Dad,
Ten (10) years have gone by with the blink of an eye.
We miss you and Mom and think of you often. Sue and P.J. are hosting a party tomorrow night, and I'm sure PJ will be toasting you.

Rest In Peace

Jack

Dear Papa,
You are in our hearts and thoughts everyday and always remembered at family gatherings. You were a kind and loving man and always very good to me. You were always interested in how others were feeling and never went on about yourself. We will keep you in our thoughts forever and try to learn from your actions.
Missing you,
Sheila

Dear Dad,
It is almost one year since you left us and there hasn't been one day that I haven't thought about you. We have had several gatherings where your absence has been felt by everyone, but none more than when we were just all gathered at Powers Lake. You would have been so happy to see us all there having a good time...at the place you loved so much. You raised an awesome family Dad, you would have been proud.

Thank you for being the best Dad a girl could have and also for your example of how to tackle life. This guestbook and all it's entries truly show how you made your mark in life. Thanks for making your mark on me and giving me the honor to be your daughter.

Although missing you won't go away, I'm happy you are at peace and you will always be in my heart.

I love you,
Rosemary (your "Babe")

Dear Dad,
Almost one year as past since you left us and I miss you every day. There have been several occasions this year where your absence was so obvious, but our most recent trip to Powers Lake was really the toughest. I'm sure you would have been so happy to see us all together in the place that you truly loved. You raised an awesome family Dad, I'm sure you would be proud.

Thank you for being the best Dad any girl could have and also for being a true example of how we should all tackle life. This guest book clearly shows how you made a difference in the lives of so many.

Although I will continue to always miss you, I'm happy you are at peace and ever so proud to be your daughter.

I love you,
Rosemary ("Babe")

Dad,
For me, words are inadequate. But you know what I have been thinking and feeling every day for the last year, and that's all that matters. I miss you more than I thought possible, and I will forever be grateful that I am your son. I love you.
Mark

Papa,

We miss you everyday...more than you can imagine. You were a great musician and inspirational teacher but your greatest legacy continues to be your family. How blessed we were to have you for so long and how fortunate we are to have such wonderful memories. You touched our lives more than you could ever know. We love you Papa!

Love,

Marty, Meredith, Maggie, PJ, and Caitlin

P.S. The Vendange is on ice. We'll be toasting you on August 10th!

Papa,

You live in our hearts everyday. I miss you very much.

Love always,

Your granddaughter, Jeanne

Papa,

It was a honor and a privilege to have known you during the last few years of your life.

You were a great composer but your greatest symphony was the masterpiece you and Nonnie created in your wonderful family that you have left behind.

I am very happy that I was able to get to know such a wonderful person and will forever remember your kindness and friendship you had shown to me. Thank you Papa. We miss you.

Jon

Dear Papa,
Life is not the same without you.
It’s been so hard to not have you around.
I am very sad because you are not here to help me play the trombone.
A couple days before you passed you said you would give trombone lessons.
I have come this far so I guess you were helping me along the way.
One more thing, please snuggle my baby brother Jonathan in your arms up there.
I love and miss you with all of my heart Papa.

Love your 1st great grand child, Madisyn

When we were young, my father proudly brought home an album he recorded with the Lou Breese Orchestra. We played that record until the groves were worn. One cut was a medley of songs by Irving Berlin.
Berlin was writing popular songs about the time my Dad fell in love with music. It was some of the music of his generation. Berlin’s songs shattered convention. No stilted formal poetry, no overly refined images. No attempt to be profound. Just natural everyday-ness imbedded in a straightforward, simple and unforgettable melody. The last time my entire family sang for my father, it was a Berlin ballad.
The songs are unmistakably American, written with crystal clarity, unabashed and inextinguishable optimism and a deep faith. A Berlin song is the genuine article
It will be hard to hear those tunes now without thinking of my Dad. Leo Henning was the genuine article. Sunny. Informal. Uncomplicated. Imbued with faith. God. Family. Country. Most of all, belief in people. Husband, Father, Teacher, Musician, Soldier, Friend.

“I’ll be loving you Always, with a love that’s true, Always.”

My brothers and sisters, and some of the older grandchildren had the chance to see and hear my father play and perform in front of large crowds. It was always exciting. But a bigger thrill for me was the warm-up at home. On the night of the job, just before shaving and dressing impeccably in his tuxedo, he’d take out the sax and clarinet to check out reeds. That was the real show. I was always awestruck by the music that filled our living room. He had it all….the sound, the technique and the passion. He loved the music business too. The shows, the balls, the fellowship and collaboration with the other musicians. His talent could have taken him anywhere. But, he never strayed far. He exited the stage long before he needed to… because he loved his family more.

“When the things you’ve planned need a helping hand, I will understand, Always, Always.”

For so many thousands more, he was our teacher…the best teacher we ever had. Sure, he taught us how to master our instrument, hone our technique, create ensemble and turn noise into music. But, we now know, as he stood on the podium or beside the music stand beating time with a chewed up drum stick for a baton, that he wasn’t really teaching music. He taught life: goal setting, working together, overcoming adversity, persistence, sacrifice, priorities, time management, accountability and care for one another.
He did it with an incredible sense of purpose and humor. He never tried to be profound, or to be a comedian. Yet, he was a hysterically funny man - just by being himself. At the same time, he could revert to his M.P. training and sound like a drill sergeant when the situation demanded a firm hand.

“Days may not be fair, Always. That’s when I’ll be there, Always.”

My Dad couldn’t teach us how to hunt, to throw a curve ball or operate a table saw. He didn’t know how. We didn’t care. He gave us everything we needed.
From his childhood days, he was utterly devoted to my Mother. He figured the best way to be a good father, was by loving her. He taught us the way with that devotion and it has carried through as a sacred trust to my brothers and sisters and on to the new generations of our family.
I will especially cherish the extra time we had together the last few years. In our long conversations, I came to learn newer, deeper dimensions to the man we thought I knew so well.
He taught us how to live the same way he showed us how to perform a musical phrase…in a perfect arc. And, in the end, he taught us the right way to prepare to go home.
My mom and dad come from the so-called “greatest generation.” But, it is a little silly to think one generation is better than another. No one born in 1922 is, by virtue of that fact, better than someone born in 1950 or 1975 or even 2006. But it is also true that each era has a certain mood, certain assumptions—for Mom and Dad’s era, it was one word- selflessness—and each generation distinguishes itself in time, or it doesn’t. Their generation did. He surely did.
His performances and concerts were always known for a big finish. And we surely experienced one at the funeral Mass. Yet, the amazing thing about this wonderful life was its relentless consistency. Faith based. Unmistakably American. Crystal clear. Inextinguishably optimistic. An unforgettable melody.
He was a precious gift…a soaring, lyrical instrument of peace.

“Not for just an hour. Not for just a day. Not for just a year, but Always.”

Always, Papa, Always.

Dear Papa,
It has been almost a year since you have been gone. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. This past year has been so difficult going through the holidays and special events without you. There are so many things you would have been so proud of with the most recent event of all of us being at Powers Lake together. We talked about you, teared up missing you and reminisced about all of the fun days being with you at the good ole’ Powers Lake house.

There are so many reasons why I am so thankful that I was so lucky to have you as a grandfather but the one that I am most thankful for was your dedication to your family. I am so thankful that you provided so many opportunities for all of us to get together as a family and grow so close. Whether it be spending time at the lake together, St. Pat’s parties, birthday bashes, Christmas parties at the lake, or just being together – you made this family what it is today. Not many families have what this family has and you were a HUGE part in keeping all of us so close and for that I will forever thank you.

Papa, we all miss you so much. My girls still talk about you all of the time as well. Madisyn cried for an hour before her first band concert wishing you were there to see her play. Mia spots other grandpa’s that resemble you and says, “Mom…there’s Papa, he isn’t in heaven anymore”. I am constantly talking with Jon about what an awesome “Papa” you were. We ALL miss you!

Lastly, I feel so blessed that our baby boy is able to forever lay next to you in peace. You have no idea how much comfort that bring me. Please watch over him and keep him safely by your side. We miss him so much too and are so thankful the two of you are together.
I love you so much Papa and will never forget everything that you have taught me in life – most importantly…. what FAMILY is all about!!

Missing you,
Your granddaughter
Veronica

Dad,
As I have read through entries in your legacy.com Guest Book, I have been overwhelmed by comments made by Family, friends, former students, and others. What an incredible tribute to you, just as your funeral mass was.

During this past year, as I reflected on tributes to you which I read and listen to after your wake and funeral, I am certainly very proud to be your son, and proud of your many accomplishments. There are so many good things I will always remember about you, but one asside from Family that jumps out most to me is just how much you enjoyed communicating with people. It didn’t matter whether it was a large crowd in an auditorium, or a janitor in some hallway, you liked interacting with people, and, most important, they liked interacting with you.

For as much as we joked about the afterlife, I had no idea just how difficult your absence would be for me. There has not been a day go by when I haven’t thought about you. You knew life would go on just as it does for all of us, but family gatherings are just not the same without you, and your glass of Vendange.

So Papa, you can be sure we will be toasting you on the anniversary date coming up soon with our glasses of Vendange. I miss you, you will always be with us, and I love you.

Jack

Dad, A year has past and I miss you every day. I know that feeling will always be there. Thank you for being my Grade school & High school Band director. Thanks you for being my mentor, boss, partner, my friend and thanks for 30 wonderful years of working together but most of all, thanks for being the most outstanding and loving father anyone could have.

Dear Dad,
I can't believe that you have been gone for a year already. I miss you so much, but I talk to you every day in prayer and know that you are watching over all of us until we are together again.
You taught me so many things that have made me the person I am, and I will be forever grateful for your wisdom and and love during the wonderful years that God gave to you.
May He always hold you in the palm of His hand.
Your loving daughter,
Cathy

Dear Henning family,
To call Mr. Henning a role model, hero, inspiration, or father figure would be such an understatement. He got me through high school and opened a myriad of opportunities to me and for that I can never repay him. He is in my prayers, as are you, and will remain close to my heart forever. He reminded me often to thank God for what I do have and to be thankful for everyday I wake up in the morning. He reminded me to promise God to do my best every time he blessed me with the promise of a new day. What can I say about him that has not been said before? His spirit was truly made up of the things that dreams are made of. All my love and prayers...Joe Diliberto

There are not words to describe how deeply and how many people Leo touched in his 85 years of life. I hope that I leave a legacy of that depth.

After reading the many postings there is nothing I can say that has not been said.
It was an honor to know him and to have been influenced by him.

I hope that the family finds peace in his legacy.

To Mr. Patrick J. Henning, the musical ensembles of Brother Rice High School, St. Laurence High School, and the rest of the Henning family,
I give you my most sincere condolensce for the passing of Mr. Leo J. Henning. He was and will always be remembered by me as a great inspiration and a great teacher who pushed his students to always do their best. He forever instilled this attitude and concept to me which will never die away. To those of us who were his students, his great teachings and influence will forever live on. Therefore, with whatever I choose to do, be it music and/or a different field, I will always push to do my best. May his great teachings and influence forever shine like a great eternal flame for many more generations to come.

Joseph Guzman
Brother Rice High School
Class of 1987

Leo, you were my most influential teacher in my high school years. You were the professional's professional.
I know I got a break getting into Brother Rice due to my playing in a grammer school band and I thank you for that break.

There are many teachers who have impacted my life in many different ways. Perhaps the biggest influence was Leo Henning. He always strived to get the best out of everyone and would not settle for less. If you needed help with anything, music related or not, he would take the time to talk with you. Even as he stepped back from being so involved in band functions, he never missed one. You could always look around and see Leo's influence on all of the people he touched. Most especially on Mr. PJ Henning. My sympathies are with Mrs. Henning, PJ, Tim, Meredith and the rest of the Henning family. Leo will surely be missed by the thousands he touched.

At the funeral, when the comment was made that everyone has that unique memory of Leo, sure enough, mine popped right into my head. Papa dancing with Nonnie and holding her right hand with his left hand -just like they must have done in the 1930's and 1940's - and to this day I still refer to him as "Dancing Leo".

But more importantly, I remember him as a kind and loving person, who welcomed me into his family with open arms. I'll miss him but not forget him. Hope he bumps into my father and mother soon.

Mrs. Henning, PJ and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Leo was such a caring man and a great teacher. He knew how to guide even the wildest of students into learning, and we certainly did test him his last years teaching concert band at Rice/McAuley. I'll never forget my first meeting with Leo - a scared little 8th grade "auditioning" for band at a McAuley incoming freshman event. I was so nervous that I completely blew my song within a line or two. Leo just talked me thru it and got me to laugh and calm down before letting me start again. I was a terrible flute player then, but under Leo and PJ's guidance, I become something more, both as a person and as a musician. Thank you to the Henning family for sharing Leo with us for so many years. It was an honor to be graced with his presence in my life.

-Megan C. Fitzgerald
Mother McAuley 2002

Thank you for sharing your love of music with so many! Most of all, thank you for teaching us the value of working - and playing - together. You helped us perform so much better as an ensemble than any of us could have performed alone. Your dedication to this lesson made us better musicians and better human beings!

Dear Leo,

It's hard to believe that you have left. I pictured you would always be waving a baton and encouraging students to play and feel music. Perhaps you still are. I know I wasn't the only student who was happy when PJ couldn't make rehearsal. Not because he wasn't there but because rehearsals with you were the best. We always knew we were in for the best stories, animations, and no doubt you would grab someone's clarinet and demonstrate how to play. I know Christmas Festival was my favorite piece to play during the Christmas concert. When the winter season came we knew you would be in for rehearsal, always a treat. You will truly be missed.

Queen of Peace Class of 2001

I did not know Leo as a teacher. But he was always my famous cousin! And always a delight to be with, as are all the Hennings! Watching Leo dance on the podium as he conducted his bands was a delight, too. He may have hobnobbed with the rich and famous, but he was an extraordinarily regular guy and a truly quality human being. I will always treasure that last glass of wine we shared in January!

Rosemary and all four generations of Hennings, I share your sorrow, but also your gratitude for Leo and his many gifts! Thank you for sharing!

Love, Trish Smith Morris

PS I have added a photo of the band rehearsing for Leo's funeral.

Dear Rosemary and all my dear cousins,

When I look back at the men who had the greatest influence on my life, Leo is number one in the area of education. My years playing under his direction and learning to play the oboe in your basement are all magnificent memories. But, more than anything else, every band, orchestra or choir director that I have played or sung under or watched have been held up to the Leo Henning standard - none could compare with his style, grace, moves and flair. Now, 44 years later, I'm hoping to become as inspiring a teacher as he was as I continue career #2. By God's grace alone.

Our prayers are with all of you that the treasure trove of memories that you have together will sustain and comfort you until you see him again.

Don Smith, Leo Class of '64, and Family (Katy, Matthew, Andy and Keylee)

To the family of Leo Henning:

My husband and I had the distinct pleasure of working with Leo during our tenure in the SW Community Band. He was a great director who never settled for second best. His concert programming always had an eye on music that would charm the audience -- striving to find that special number that would as he affectionately would say would "throw the babies out of the balcony". He will be greatly missed but has joined the "top" band above.
God bless.

Steve & Jeanette Kreuz

Rosemary - may your family savor the precious memories each person has shared here about your dad and the powerful difference he made throughout his life - May he rest in peace knowing his mission on earth is now done. God Bless

My deepest sympathy! Leo was a wonderful man who influnced many of at a time when we needed guidence the most.

Leo, your influence on thousands of musicians throughout your career is testimony to the man you are. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the direction you gave, the love of music you demonstrated, and the dedication to music education and performance. You will be missed but never forgotten.

Michael Sweeney
St. Laurence Class of 1981

I was a student of the Henning’s (both Leo and PJ) in the Br. Rice/McAuley band from 1987-1991. As with everyone else who experienced 4 years with the “dream team”, those years continues to have an indelible impact on my life. I was given the gift of music by Leo and PJ and am grateful for that gift. But as I look back on that time, I realize that while looking at us over his glasses on the podium and banging his drumstick, he somehow taught us more than just notes on a page. He taught us life lessons that are still with me today.

1. Don’t go into life unprepared and don’t do anything less than your best, as those around you are counting on your to know and do your part.
2. Realize the best performances are often not solos but ensemble pieces…and require a tight knit and supportive group to perform well.
3. Know that while performances come and go, the memory of a good performance or poignant moment will last a lifetime and sustain you through not- so-great performances.
4. Love what you do. Have passion for it. Put your head down, play/work hard, and finish the piece/job no matter what.
5. A drumstick, when thrown at 45 miles an hour, hurts like hell. :)

I can see and hear Mr. Henning instructing us as if it were yesterday as I’m sure is the case with thousands of other alumni. In my mind however, those memories blur together with memories of a grandfather whose smile lit up the room. A grandfather who, although there were 16 grandchildren, always expressed a genuine interest in each of us and remembered every detail about our lives. A grandfather who took as much pleasure “conducting” out of tune renditions of Jingle Bells at family Christmas parties as he did conducting his professional groups. A grandfather who had a wicked sense of humor and loved to needle his grandchildren. A grandfather who taught me my greatest life’s lesson – that more than anything else, family matters most.

To many people Leo Henning was a wonderful man, a talented musician and an inspiring teacher. He was all that to me. But more than that, he is and always will be, my Papa.


Meredith Henning-Wisniewski
Br.Rice/Mother McAuley
Class of 1991

To the Henning Family,

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you all. Leo was truly a wonderful man. Even though I was only a "Guard Girl", Leo would always say hello to me and tease me that I should have played an instrument. I will always remember him fondly.

Wendy (Lobash) Neuman (QOP 1990-1994)

I will forever treasure the memories I have of my high school band experience. The friends, the accomplishments, the music, and especially those who guided us through the journey. Leo was a truly kind and gifted teacher and he will be missed greatly. It is not until you become older and wiser that you realize and truly appreciate the amount of time both Leo and PJ spent preparing us for competition (marching and performance) and for concerts, as well as the patience it takes to work with high school students. Thank you for your kindness, knowledge, and love of music.
Sharon Switzer(Sierawski)
Brother Rice '81-85

Not a year goes by without my reminiscing the "great" Leo Henning, my band leader at Leo from 1961-1964, and my private lessons - still having the arrangement of "Stardust" in my music portfolio that now collects dust. My deepest sympathy to the family. He will truly be missed, but never far from my heart. He left me such an appreciation of music that I still play today! God's Blessing on all. I look forward to the "band in heaven" whenever I should be privledged to get there. (Leo Class of '64)

Dear Henning Family,
It was my pleasure to watch Leo Henning lead the music departments of the Christian Brothers Schools of Chicago in the late 70's and early 80's when I was studying and teaching in Chicago. May the good Lord bless Leo with eternal rest, and may you be comforted in the knowledge of the great work that he performed over so many years. God bless you.
John Birney

Dear Henning Family,

I hold dear to my heart all of my memories of Leo, P.J. and Rosemary. I cannot add to the many memories shared but I can reflect on the countless opportunities presented to me by Leo and P.J. to always do my best. While rehearsing for an event, we were challenged to do our best. While performing, Leo and P.J. expected nothing less than our BEST effort. These are the life lessons I hope to depend upon for years to come.

God Bless You Leo.

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Henning family.

Mark Arito & Family (STL '74)

Dear Henning family--

My deepest sympathies on the loss of a truly great man. The passion he showed to everyone through his music was inspirational. I have the fondest memories of the time spent under his tutelage. I count him as one of the most influential people in my life. The thoughts and prayers of my entire family will be with you.

"And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand."

James Lobash, Lt Col, US Air Force
Brother Rice Band, '82-'86

i had leo as my band dir. at visitation grade school 3rd grd to 8 what a wonderful person 1953 to 1956,met him years later downtown , he still rememberd me he was truly a gift from God glen c.

Henning Family,
I can't put in to words what Leo Henning meant to me. The whole Henning family has meant a great deal to me since 1980 when I was a 4th Grader at St. Denis and P.J. talked me into playing the trumpet. When I was beginning my years at Brother Rice, I wanted to stop playing but I decided to play freshman year for my parents. Leo was one of the main reasons I continued to play my entire high school life and even into college. He was one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. He touched and inspired thousands and thousands of students, teachers and families. I send my deepest sympathies to your entire family during this very emotional time. The tribute to Leo at the funeral was the most incredible tribute I have ever experienced!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. We all have one more angel in Heaven directing us down here on Earth!! Words can't express how much he will be missed!!!

Dear Henning Family:

As a former Catholic School Band director, I heard many stories about men like Leo Henning, Tom Fabish and George Quinlan. I tried to keep up the legacy provided by those pioneering men by using their lives as my inspiration in teaching. Leo Henning has touched many, many people in his career, and thousands more through the students he inspired to become band directors. May his life be an inspiration to all, and may that inspiration be a consolation to his family.

God Bless Leo Henning.

I grew up without a Dad, so Leo Henning was a great substitute. I played for him in the Leo Band from 1960-1964, then had several contacts with him for many years. Beyond the wonderful world of music, he stressed and modeled basic wisdom principles applicable to all of life. He loomed larger than life: for reasons beyond his frantic schedule, it was hard to imagine him sitting in your living room for a chat. I loved his vitality and his getting done what needed to be done and lots more. He gave young people of that era -- generally poor -- a picture and encouragement of success. I've had an invitation for years from Rosemary and him to stop by for a glass of wine and dinner, but I failed to do that. We'll need to do that later, where celebrating and giving glory to God never stops, and where there will be unfinished symphonies of excellent music forever. Thank you, Mr. Henning, for making my life so much better each day.

Dear Henning Family,

My thoughts and deepest sympathy are with your family at this time. Mr. Leo Henning is truly a legend. His passion for music and teaching has been an inspiration to me and others.

I will fondly remember how Leo guided me as I expressed my interest in studying music. This year, I will begin my 23rd year as a music educator. Mr. Henning set a wonderful example for me and I often think of him and his kindness in my own teaching. Mr. Henning has made a major impact on my life (especially by bringing me to Quincy, IL) and I am grateful for all he has done for me.

Gayle (Gaydos) Tenhouse
Queen of Peace, 1981
Quincy Public Schools, Music Educator

Henning Family,
My fondest high school memories are of the St. Laurence Band, namely Leo & Patrick Henning. Leo's committment and dedication to his profession and his students has touched the lives of thousands. I can say I am a better person for having known both of these men.
Rest in Peace Leo.

PJ and Family,

My sympathy is with you and your family during this difficult time. Leo was very kind to me when I started my teaching career as the band director at Tinley Park High School. I always enjoyed talking music with him and was fortunate to gain his wisdom and knowledge about music and teaching. I will miss his pleasent demeanor and his gentle smile. You are in my thoughts and prayers.


Vince Aiello
Tinley Park High School

I had the honor to play clarinet in the Southwest Community Band under the direction of Leo for about 6 years. I will never forget playing "the old chestnuts." as Leo called them. They were a challenge to play, but Leo encouraged us to work hard and in the end the performances of these masterpieces were phenomenal. I hope the angels in heaven greet him at the gates and sing in their angelic voices "Nessun Dorma;" a favorite musical piece of Leo's. Leo was a great man of music and he will be truly missed. Goodbye Leo. When I meet you in heaven I will play in your band again.

Leo started me on clarinet at Visitation in 1950 (51?)It was the beginning of a life-long love of music. I began private lessons with Leo in the 7th grade and continued all through high school. While at Leo, I was lucky to never have marched the 79th Street St.Patrick's Day parade with the H.S. band. Since Leo had his 4 grammar schools marching, he needed "monitors" to accompany the kids and I was chosen for 4 years to do that. I particularly remember the parade in my senior year because we went back to the house after the parade and
Leo was representing a wine company at the time and he brought out champagne for our little celebration. We went through 4 (or5) bottles of champagne and when I drove one of other helpers home to Tinley Park, he had a violent reaction to the champagne and I had quite a mess to clean off the side of my car. Much later, I had the pleasure of having four of my children playing in the bands at Leo H.S., Bro. Rice, and St.Laurence. It's been a wonderful ride!!

Leo was one of the nicest men we have ever known. He was a great mentor to both of our sons at St. Laurence HS. We are blessed to have known him.

To Rosemary and family, my sincere sympathy at the loss of your husband and father. Those of us that grew up on the 8200 block of Ada street in the 1920's and 30's. remember Leo as a very nice and kind young lad. Even at that early age, Leo was so talented and and could already make sweet music. We grew up listening to him practice.

Dear Rosemary, P.J. and family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Leo was a great man and an inspiration to me. I remember his 50th year as a teacher and how he was still going strong. I was on the staff with him at Leo, St. Laurence and Brother Rice. We are proud and blessed to have had such a fine Christian gentleman as a colleague and a Christian Brothers' Associate. With my prayers,

My deepest sympathy to the Henning Family. It is truly an honor to have studied music under Leo’s direction. My prayers are with your family.

Queen of Peace, '99

Mr. Henning instilled an appreciation of music in me that I've tried to instill in my children. It was a pleasure being one of his many students and I am blessed for having known him. My prayers are with his friends and family that are mourning their loss, but know this ... the choirs of angels are little more in tune now that Mr. Henning is in charge.

The world lost a wonderful man, musician & educator. Although I haven't seen him in over 20 years, I cherish the memories I have and the friendships I've made during my years at St. Laurence (81-85). Friendships that crossed over to the competing program (Br. Rice) are still strong today and music has always been the foundation. My condolences to P.J. and the rest of the family.

I would like to extend my sympathies to the Henning family for the loss of a wonderful man. Thank you Leo for inspiring my love of music. My prayers will be with Leo and his family.

As Executive Secretary of the National Catholic Band Association, I join with all the members of our organization throughout the country in offering prayers and thoughts for Leo. As a long time member of the NCBA, his life and work in the Catholic Schools in the Chicago are a monument and a beacon for all who teach in the Catholic Schools. Leo will be missed by all his NCBA friends. May he rest in peace.

To the entire Henning Family:

Our deepest sympathy to all of you on the death of Leo. Both our sons had the priviledge of being taught by Leo and PJ while at St. Laurence HS; our oldest with Leo there full time, our youngest with Leo substituting on occasion, when PJ was not available. He not only taught our sons to appreciate music, but us, as their parents also, while attending band concerts and competitions. We have many, many fond memories of band activities during our 8 years with the St. Laurence Band. Take comfort in knowing that Leo was an important part of so many peoples lives, and his influence will live on with them forever.

Sincerely,
Stan, Cheryl, Jeff (STL '98) and Jason (STL '05) Podolski

I worked with Leo's son in Quincy, IL. for many years. I had the opportunity to meet Leo Sr. for a brief time a few years ago. His wit was infectious. He was an inspiration for so many of his students and his extended family. The thoughts of many are with you.

Dear PJ, Mrs Henning and the Henning family,

I wish i would have taken the opportunity to express to Leo personally the influence he had on me and, I'm sure, thousands like me. As a member of the Brother Rice Band from 1984-1988, I had the honor of being taught by a man i still regard not only as the best teacher i have ever had, but one of the finest people i have ever known. Mr. Henning's influence on me reached far beyond music. He didn't speak down to us, he treated us as adults - sometimes moreso than we really wanted. He tought us what it is to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to strive for perfection and to reach beyond our own limitations. He tought us that winning and losing are not nearly as important as whether or not you performed to your full potential. He instilled in us work ethic, responsibility and integrity. Not a day goes by that I don't use the skills that I learned from Mr. Henning in my daily life. In my professional life, I have carried with me, and have repeated to others, a simple phrase that Leo beat into our brains many many times, "Have fun, but have discipline".

Leo Henning is a true hero of mine and i feel priviledged not only to have learned from him, but to have known him.

Randy Pahr,
Brother Rice Class of '88

My deepest sympathy to the Henning Family. I was also one of the many students lives that Mr. Leo Henning touched. I spent four years under his direction at St.Laurence/QOP. Those four years enriched my love of music forever. He will never be forgotten and his music legacy will live on in all those whom he shared his love of music with. May God bless the Henning family as Mr. Leo Henning's life is remembered. Thank you Leo, you will be missed.
Deepest Sympathy,
Jean Matthews-Alvarez
QOP Class of 1993

Mrs. Henning and the entire Henning Family-

With my sincere condolences on the death of Mr. Henning..."unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality."

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Henning family. As a band member for Stagg 1986-1990, Leo would occassionally be a guest conductor for symphonic band practice. We all were "blown away" by Leo- the mastermind behind the baton. Yes, he would share his stories during rehearsal. On those days, the band never sounded better. Years later, I was lucky to work with Leo again, this time with the southwest community band. Those were good days. He has touched so many... and molded them into better human beings. May God bless you. Rest in peace.

The news of Mr. Henning's passing saddened our family. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Henning Family. Music and band were part of our daughters' lives instructed by the Hennings from St.Linus to Brother Rice Band 1979-1987. Mr. Henning was a man of great character and his love of music was inspirational. Those memories of Mr. Henning and his instruction will forever be with us.

The Brown Family (Stan and Diane)
Karen Brown-Kissel and Brian Kissel Class of 87 Brother Rice Band
Kim Brown Class of 92 St. Linus, Mother McAuley

To the Henning Family,

A true legend has passed, and reading these messages confirms that I am lucky to have also been one of a great many to have been taught by Leo Henning. He was responsible for teaching me to play an instrument for the first time which lead to 4 great years at St Laurence (85 - 89), many friends, and awesome experiences (Ireland 89). I will always remember Leo as a true professional and educator bringing the joy of music to thousands of people young and old. I am a better person for having had Leo as well as PJ as role models in my life through 4 years of High School. (Although neither really appreciated my sense of humor) May Leo rest in peace and his song play forever in our hearts. God Bless.