Richard J. "Dick" Hennig

Richard John Hennig, “Dick” of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away on June 17, 2016. He was born in Racine, on January 23, 1934 to the late Ewald and Clara Hennig and was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1952”. Dick was married to the love of his life, Arlene Friedrich, on October 2, 1954. They had three children, Cynthia Hennig of Texas, Rick and Laurie (Christensen) Hennig and Kathleen Hennig Banker and Tony Beyer of Racine; grandchildren, Matt Christensen, Hiya Christensen, Steven Banker and Richie Hennig; great grandchildren, Kaiya and Logan Christensen. Dick is further survived by two sisters, Luann Perfetto, and Susan Hennig. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Tom and Lorna Hennig, and sister Hollis “Holly” Hennig.

Dick was a Journeyman Engraver serving his apprenticeship at Gorton Machine. He then went on to become a Journeyman Tool and Die maker serving his apprenticeship at Hennig Tool & Die Co. Dick then went on to become the President and CEO of Rite Engineering Co. where he taught many apprentices the tool and die trade. He also taught many machinists the art of machining. Dick was a very skilled tool and die maker that wanted all of his employees to be efficient at their trade.

Dick was a life member of the Racine Yacht Club. He grew up there sailing on his dad's boats, and then racing his own boats as an adult with family and friends. Dick also enjoyed time spent at the family vacation home in Bailey's Harbor on Kangaroo Lake. Dick and Arlene would entertain family and friends by treating them to one of his famous Door County Fish Boils. Dick, along with Arlene, enjoyed touring Europe, especially Germany with their friends. Dick was also a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast owning Indians, Harley's and even big Hondas. He taught his wife how to ride and they would enjoy Harley events together on their Harley's. Dick was a man that lived life to the fullest, he loved his family and friends and will be dearly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet the family at the Racine Yacht Club at 1 Barker St. on Thursday, June 23, 2016, from 10:00am to 11:00am. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Assn or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation have been suggested.