Joe was a 2002 graduate of Chippewa Falls High School where he participated in wrestling and football. He went on to attend Northern Illinois University. He was currently employed as an apprentice pipe fitter for the Pipe Fitters Union Local 501.
Joe had many passions. His love of sports extended to his favorite teams: the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Twins and Chicago Blackhawks. He was involved in youth wrestling, even after graduating from high school, and positively influenced many young athletes in Chippewa Falls, as well as Sycamore and DeKalb. He loved to help people and had a soft spot for children, especially his niece and nephew. Joe loved his family and was very close to his siblings.
People described him as a great teammate and a loyal friend. If you were Joe's friend, you were family. He had a kind heart, mischievous grin and charming personality. His gift was the ability to make people laugh and feel special. He was always the first to help out a friend. Joe continued his giving even after death by donating his organs to those in need. 
Joe is survived by his parents, Walter and Jean (Oemig) Henning of Chippewa Falls; brothers, Christopher (Kate) Henning of Bayport, Minn., and Craig Henning (Shanda Miracle) of Mauston, Wis.; sister, Jaime (Casey) Otto of Bloomer, Wis.; niece, Alena Otto; nephew, Jacoby Otto; maternal grandparents, Karl and Marcy Oemig of Sarona, Wis.; paternal grandparents, Jim and Diane Eyerly of Menomonie, Wis.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
While Joe shared a special relationship with many family members and friends, there were a few that he was exceptionally close to. He thought the world of Jamie "Uncle Jay" Eyerly; his adopted aunt, Mary; high school wrestling coach, Tom "Coach P" Pomietlo; family friend, "Piff" Rubenzer; high school friends, Reuben Boettcher, Luke Smith and Justin Henderson; and his college family, the Hiatt Brothers, Sam, Andy and Max.
He was most recently preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Walter Henning Sr.; and paternal great-grandmother, Genevieve Henning.
A celebration of life will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Elks Club, 209 S. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb.
Arrangements were entrusted to Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St., DeKalb, IL 60115. Visitwww.RonanMooreFinch.com to send an online condolence; 815-758-3841.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Royal Credit Union, Chippewa Falls, WI./Joe Henning Memorial to be donated to the Chippewa Falls Wrestling Club.
"Life is not a matter of counting the years, it's a matter of making the years count." - William Smith. That was Joe. Even though his time was short, he made his years count. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.