Rudolf Lee Henning, son of Effie (Burggraaff) Henning and Robert Henning was born in Boyden, IA, January 18, 1940. He lived his youth in Boyden, IA, and received his education at the Boyden Community School. As a boy, Rudy worked on his Uncle Rich Burggraaff's farm outside of Boyden and also at the Farmers' Coop Grain Elevator while he attended school.

After graduating from high school, he took a position with Tower Construction Company traveling the United States building microwave towers (stacking steel). After a few years of traveling, Rudy found work as a heavy equipment operator in order to stay closer to home and family. He married Linda Kay Glazier on March 8, 1963, and to this marriage, five children were born.

In 1967, Rudy started a livestock and farming operation. Along with this, in 1969, he started a company called Henning Distributing Company which distributed baking supplies to bakeries. In 1977, Rudy discontinued farming and the family moved to a home in Sheldon, IA. In 1981, Rudy sold the distributing company and in 1983, he moved to Whitewood, SD, where he started a company selling and shipping wood shavings along with logging in the Blacks Hills of South Dakota. In 1985, Rudy started a scrap iron company working with his son, Robert. In 1989, Rudy started running heavy equipment for Blattner Construction working with his son, Robert, and his son-in-law, Scott. Rudy did a lot of other things such as running a ranch in Faith, driving truck, and others too numerous to mention. In his retirement years, he thoroughly enjoyed working for MB Enterprises/Bradley Storage in Sturgis, SD.

Rudy was a very hard worker and enjoyed his life. He worked hard and played hard. He started several businesses and had a very diverse work and business history. Rudy loved horses, dogs, and all animals, and he shared that love with his family. Rudy thoroughly loved horses and taught all his children to ride and enjoy horses.

Rudy, 76, died at his home after battling cancer in Sturgis, SD, on Sunday, January 24, 2016, with his five kids at his side.

He leaves behind his five children; daughter, Anita Sorensen and husband, Scott, from Irene, SD; son, Robert Henning from Roundup, MT; daughter, Sally Henning from Lead, SD; daughter, Katherine Henning Newland from Paonia, CO; daughter, Melinda Scheurer and husband, Michael, from Nicollet, MN; his ex-wife, Linda Glazier Henning from Wakonda, SD; two brothers, Len Henning and wife, Pat, from Kingsburg, CA, and Jim Henning and wife, DeAnna, from Sioux City, IA; eight grandchildren, Zane Sorensen and wife, Jackie, Zachary Sorensen and Dani, Tucker Sorensen and Danielle, Riley Henning, Shayla Davidson, Clarissa Davidson, Alyssa Washburn and Aaron, Alexis Newland, Micah Armstrong and Samantha Scheurer; three great-grandchildren, Caide Washburn, Eli Washburn, and Bennett Sorensen; his aunt, Wilminia "Minnie" Kooiker from Sheldon, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rudy also leaves behind many good lifetime friends and recent friends from the Black Hills. A special thank you from the family goes to Marty Ennis for looking out for "Dad" and helping him when he was so sick.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Robert; infant nephew, Travis; infant granddaughter, Savannah; and five cousins.

Rudy was loved and will be missed. Please join us for a celebration of Rudy's life to be held at Hale Hall in Whitewood, SD, on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. Cards can be mailed to Family of Rudolf Lee Henning, 3001 Lazelle Street Lot 26, Sturgis,