Robert Henning Obituary

Robert David Henning

August 19, 1936 - July 5, 2025

Robert David Henning was born on August 19, 1936, in San Francisco, California, to Fredrick Wilhelm Henning and Marion Olga Donaldson. Robert spent his happy and adventurous childhood in the city named after Saint Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Robert loved the outdoors, and animals of all kinds. He worked hard to support his children, and the universe brought his beloved Mary to his life and as he said, "took the gamble" and became his wife in 1964. Mary became the instant "Mom" to his three children, and soon after the fourth arrived.

Robert is survived by his children, Bill, Debbie, Bobby and John; his six grandchildren, Bobby, Jimmy, Michael, Amy, Stephanie and Nicole, and is now with the seventh and first grandson Paul who transitioned into the refuge of light and love in 2006. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Isabella and Gabriella; his son-in-law, Dan and daughter-in-law, Gretchen, and his best friend and companion since his wife passed in 2011, Georgia Loveless. He has many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and relatives that loved him dearly as his infectious personality touched the lives of everyone he met, gracing them with his love of life, his calmness and sense of humor, his devotion to his church and the communities he worked and lived in. His incredible spirit will continue to comfort everyone who came in contact with him and came to know him as the amazing human being he was - and still is - alive in our hearts forever.

Robert (Bob) had many talents and interests in his life, participating in numerous sports activities like golf, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, horseshoes just to name a few. He was also an avid camper, teaching his children how to commune with nature and appreciate the gifts that the earth provides for all to respect and enjoy. While he was a frugal man, his generosity knew no bounds when it came to being present for his family, friends and those in need, and was always a man of service, offering his time, skills and talents as a leader in his community whether it be for the church or the homeowners association, and everyone always felt rich when in his presence. The gift that he gave most frequently was a kiss and a giggle, followed by one of his famous bear hugs that felt like being wrapped in a blanket of love and joy.

After a week of happiness, where his children all had the great fortune of speaking with him and hearing his joyous voice and receiving his love and support, Bob passed away quickly and unexpectedly in his comfort of his own home after experiencing what we believe was a heart attack. Bob was found lying comfortably on his back with his arms outstretched naturally facing the sky as if welcoming his transition with love and open arms, greeting the loved ones that had passed before him, ready to embrace his beloved Mary and his savior, Jesus Christ.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to the Lincoln United Methodist Church of Lincoln, California at 629 I Street, Lincoln CA 95648 or the First Congregational Church of Murphy's, P.O. Box 48 Murphys, CA 95247.

At Bob's request, there will be a Celebration of Life sometime this fall when the leaves are bright with the colors of the sun and the caress of nature's transition into rest and renewal will comfort those who long to remember and pay tribute to the man they love so much. While tears of sadness will flow, let them be transformed into tears of joy and gratitude for having received the grace of loving and being loved by such an extraordinary man.