Jay Michael Henning

Jay Michael Henning, 44, of Junction City, KS, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at his home in Junction City. Cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Laurie Barnes officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the church parlor.

Jay was born April 21, 1971, in Milwaukee, WI, to Edward and Bernice Henning (Kohls). He was the second youngest of five children. Jay grew up in Grafton, WI, and attended Kennedy Elementary School, John Long Middle School and Grafton High School. He really enjoyed doing cross country, as well as being a manager for the high school basketball team. He graduated early in December 1988, so that he could go into the Army Reserves. In June 1989 while working at a fast food restaurant he met his wife, Christie, and on September 9 of that year they were married. That was also the day Jay went active duty into the United States Army.

The various duty stations while in the Army included Ft. Stewart, GA, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Seoul, South Korea, Spokane, WA, Onalaska, WI, and Ft. Riley, KS. During that time he was deployed in the Desert Shield/Storm conflict from 1990-1991, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006-2007 and 2009-2010. He retired in Junction City, KS, and began working for Kansas State University Central Mail Services shortly afterward and became Administrative Officer.

He took online courses through Phoenix University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Management. Jay also took online courses at Regent University's School of Divinity and graduated with a Master's Degree in Practical Theology.

During his time at Regent University, he became a member at First United Methodist Church needing an internship with a church. Prior to that Jay attended Living Word Church in Manhattan, KS, and various other churches throughout his life and duty stations.

He loved to give his time to helping however he could at the church, and when he wasn't doing that, he loved to spend time at home with his family. Jay also loved to run 5K's, 10K's, half marathons and full marathons to stay active and healthy. He loved to play tennis with his son Matthew and take his daughter Erica out to dinner. He loved golfing and would take anyone willing along. Jay loved all professional sports teams from Wisconsin and avidly followed them.

Jay is survived by his wife, Christie; his daughter, Erica; his two sons, Matthew (and wife, Miranda) and Micah; 3 brothers, a sister, nieces, nephews and his parents, Edward and Bernice.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Christian Military Fellowship, P.O. Box 1207 Englewood, CO 80150-1207.