Michael Allan Henningsen

Michael was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on February 7, 1962, to Darrell and Kay Henningsen.  He spent many cold days in Freeland, Michigan with his little sister, Carrie, playing baseball and basketball until darkness drove them back indoors.  They would ice skate behind the house and have even been known to pummel passing cars with snowballs as they hid and laughed.  Athletics was in his blood and he played football, basketball and ran track in high school for two years before deciding to pursue other activities. Mike bravely served in the United States Air Force from September 1980 until May of 1986, including an overseas assignment at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.  He also spent time stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.  Although he has lived in the south for many years, he has remained a faithful fan of University of Michigan and the Detroit Lions until the very end.       

Michael met the love of his life, Judy Ann Henningsen, in 1994.  Not only did he sweep her off her feet, but he whisked her off to Las Vegas to be married on May 28, 1995.  They have loved each other faithfully for better and worse, richer and poorer, in sickness and in health for 28 years.  Their love was evident to all, especially as Judy cared for Mike’s every need to the very end. 

When Mike and Judy married in 1995, they brought together not just their love but also their children.  Mike is survived by his daughter, Tamara Henningsen Miller, and Brian and David Baze.  Tamara remembers her dad taking her to do fun things like snow tubing, the movies or a trip to Dairy Queen to take her mind off her troubles.  Brian and David were both young adults when their mom married Mike, and he took on the role of father and friend for them. 

One of Mike’s most treasured roles was that of Papa to his 10 grandchildren.  Mike could entertain a fussy baby with his goofy faces, fish before dawn with his grandsons and he played a pretty jolly Santa Clause on Christmas Eve, all to bring joy to the faces of the grandkids. 

Mike was a man of many hobbies.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing, watching football, marbling fishing poles and spending time with his family.  He was named “Kayak Fisherman of the Year” in 2014 by the Southeast Louisiana Kayak Club.  He also participated in the Garrett Memorial Hunt.  He was a sportsman through and through.  When his health prevented him from throwing a ball or casting a line, he could still be found rooting for the Biloxi Shuckers with his family or cheering for his favorite team on the screen with Admiral at his side.     

Mike never shied away from learning something new, whether it was a new hobby or a new job.  He grabbed life by the horns and made every twist and turn an adventure.  We will always imagine him saying, “Just hit the ball, Alice!” and “Just bobbleheading along! and we certainly can’t forget, “Yes, dear!” He will be loved and missed greatly. 

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Judy Henningsen; his children, Tamara Henningsen Miller (DJ), David Baze (Melanie) and Brian Baze; his grandchildren: Lauren Baze New (Chad), Blake, Joseph, Macey, Sydney, Phoebe, and Hope Baze, and Brianna, Connor and Trystan Miller; as well as his mother, Kay Henningsen and his sister Carrie Henningsen (Lesa). Michael was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Henningsen. 

A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach.  The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, December 11, 2023, at Biloxi National Cemetery.